In order to ensure consistent quality, biobanks and biorepositories should standardize, harmonize, and quality control the collection, processing, storage, and retrieval of samples. Quality management systems and standard operating procedures can be implemented to achieve this goal. Biobanking can be supported by implementing technical solutions, in particular, through the critical process areas of automation. Automation increases reproducibility and accuracy through the reduction or elimination of human handling steps, and decreases the incidence of mislabeling and misplacement.
Automated biobank can improve the biobank workflow in both quantitative and qualitative ways, including traceability of samples, secure storage, sample preservation, and quicker retrieval of samples. Compared to manual sample transportation, automated sample transport from clinics and pre-analytical laboratories provides several benefits.
Read this article that discusses the advantages, benefits and futures directions of automated biobanking.