Integrated biobank of Luxembourg (IBBL)

The Integrated Biobank of Luxembourg (IBBL) offers a comprehensive, integrated solution for all stages of the biospecimen journey—collection, processing, storage, and distribution. As a not-for-profit unit dedicated to service provision in the biomedical sector, IBBL is committed to advancing science through high-quality, reliable sample management and analysis. With over 15 years of proven experience, IBBL is accredited with ISO 17025 (competence of testing and calibration laboratories) and certified with ISO 9001:2015 (quality management). Our extensive portfolio of services supports academia, EU consortia, and industry, providing standardised, validated, and optimized processes.

At IBBL, we believe in better samples, better data, better science. Our dedication to high standards, integrated services, and our strategic position in the heart of Europe make us the ideal partner for clinical trials and research projects.

How we Achieve Excellence:

• Standardisation to prevent pre-analytical bias
• Comprehensive traceability for complete sample tracking
• Ensuring fit-for-purpose samples for your research
• High-quality analysis to support reliable results

Our operations are governed by a robust Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring consistent, high-quality service. IBBL is open to national and international collaborations, providing support for a wide range of research and clinical projects.

Our Services

IBBL is structured into five specialised teams, each focused on specific aspects of biospecimen management:

Claire
Barbieux

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Downloads

• The LIH Quality Manual
• IBBL ISO 9001 Certificate
• IBBL ISO 17025 Certificate & Scope

1) Biorepository

The Biorepository is responsible for the collection, transport, deposition, storage, and issuance of biospecimens. Operating as an accredited biobank, IBBL follows a rigorous quality management system to ensure the secure handling and long-term preservation of biological samples. We adhere to strict standard operating procedures to maintain the highest quality standards throughout the storage and management process.

Our biorepository services include:

• Study Kit Design & Provision: Tailored to the specific needs of your study, based on a validated set of consumables
• Logistics of Biological Samples and Study-Related Goods: In compliance with IATA regulations
• Biological Sample Receipt and Inventory: Managed in our Laboratory information management system (LIMS) to ensure the full traceability of the samples and their pre-analytical conditions
• Storage Equipment and Environmental Monitoring Management: Includes 24/7 monitoring systems, alarm systems, on call staff, back-up freezers, and generators

Our state-of-the-art facilities include cold rooms (+4°C and -20°C), -80°C freezers, LN2 tanks, and independent environmental monitoring systems. We ensure the highest levels of traceability, the most appropriate storage conditions and distribution of your biological samples.

2) Biorefinery

The Biorefinery unit at IBBL provides specialised services for the processing and analysis of various biological samples, including blood, saliva, urine, stool, tissue, cerebrospinal fluid and swabs. All processing activities are traceable, recorded in our LIMS.

Our activities include:

• Biospecimen Processing: Standardised, automated sample transformation and derivation
• Characterisation of Biospecimen Derivatives: Providing highly specialised quality control analysis of processed samples
• Biobank Proficiency Testing Program: Biospecimens processing and testing by peer benchmarking, a mandatory requirement for ISO-20387 accreditation
• Method Validation and Implementation: Continuous optimisation and validation of new technologies to improve biospecimen processing practices
• Pathology Services: Histological processing, digitalisation of microscopic images, and pathological characterisation
• Project Design Consultation: Ensuring “fit for purpose” collection and processing

IBBL is committed to providing high-quality biospecimens and materials critical for reproducibility in scientific research.

3) National cytometry platform

The National Cytometry Platform at IBBL provides access to cutting-edge single-cell technologies. We offer advanced experimental design, data analysis approaches, and instrumentation, including:

• Microscopy
• Imaging Cytometry
• Flow Cytometry
• Mass Cytometry

Our platform supports scientific research by enabling detailed, multi-dimensional analysis of biological samples at the single-cell level.

4) Scientific Equipment Management

Our team specialises in the implementation, validation, and lifecycle management of scientific equipment. Our activities include:

• Implementation and Validation of New Equipment: Ensuring compliance with international standards
• Equipment Lifecycle Tracing: Full tracking of equipment from installation through usage to decommissioning

By providing comprehensive management of scientific equipment, we ensure optimal performance and reliability for all activities dealing with biospecimen treatment in TMOH.

5) Biospecimen Research

IBBL’s Biospecimen Research team focuses on addressing challenges that compromise the quality of biospecimens. Our research activities aim to:

• Improve the efficiency of sample processing, enabling more studies with fewer clinical materials
• Enhance biospecimen-related practices to support the reproducibility and validity of scientific data

We are dedicated to advancing biospecimen science through research that solves complex challenges and optimises the use of biological samples.

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