- World-class recognition: Cedars-Sinai’s Biobank has earned international CAP accreditation for the third consecutive year, making it one of only six accredited biobanks in California.
- Rare multi-domain excellence: Accredited across all four specialized areas—biobanking, histology, research pathology, and microscopy/image analytics—surpassing the typical one- or two-area standard.
- Cutting-edge capabilities: Housing 1.5 million specimens and a new living biobank of 3D organoids, the facility advances precision medicine and aligns with updated NIH research guidelines.
Cedars-Sinai’s Biobank and Research Pathology Resource has once again secured international accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP)—its third consecutive recognition—reinforcing its standing as one of the most advanced and comprehensive biobanking programs in the United States. As one of only six accredited biobanks in California, the achievement underscores Cedars-Sinai’s sustained investment in quality, compliance and cutting-edge capabilities that underpin medical discovery.
A Rare Four-Area Accreditation
The biobank holds the uncommon distinction of accreditation in all four of its specialized domains: biobanking, histology, research pathology, and microscopy and image analytics. Most biobanks earn accreditation in only one or two areas, highlighting Cedars-Sinai’s broad expertise.
“This reaccreditation reflects our broad capabilities and Cedars-Sinai’s sustained investment in compliance and quality,” said V. Krishnan Ramanujan, PhD, MSHS, director of the Biobank and Research Pathology Resource. “It signals to scientists that our specimens meet the highest standards—essential for validating research and developing lifesaving diagnostics and treatments.”
Earle S. Collum, MD, chair of the College of American Pathologists Council on Accreditation, called the biobank a leader in innovation and excellence dedicated to delivering high-quality services for patients and researchers.
More Than a Decade of Impact
Established over 10 years ago with partial funding from the National Institutes of Health, the biobank now houses more than 1.5 million biospecimens donated by patients and volunteers. These contributions support global scientific collaboration and advance research in drug development, diagnostics and precision medicine.
“This reaccreditation affirms Cedars-Sinai’s leadership in biospecimen research,” said neuropathologist Jeffrey A. Golden, MD. “For researchers who rely heavily on biobank specimens, accreditation means we can trust the tissue and data to reflect the true biology of a disease.”
An Integrated Research Resource
Cedars-Sinai’s biobank goes beyond storage—providing tissue collection, histopathological analysis, digital imaging, and image analytics under one roof. “This puts us ahead of traditional biobank models when it comes to meeting investigators’ needs,” Ramanujan said. His team of 10 oversees round-the-clock monitoring and tightly controlled access to the repository.
The Rise of the Living Biobank
In 2024, the team launched a “living biobank” of 3D organoids, miniature clusters of human cells that mirror the structure and function of organs. These models allow researchers to test patient-specific responses to treatments, supporting precision medicine.
The expansion aligns with 2025 NIH guidelines urging scientists to integrate organoids and other human cell-based systems into research. Ramanujan views this evolution as key to staying ahead of rapidly advancing scientific needs: “Human health discoveries depend on our work.”
Looking Ahead
Ramanujan aims to fully automate the biobank within five years to expand capacity and enhance services for the research community. He emphasized that none of the progress would be possible without the generosity of donors. “Their voluntary contributions fuel research that helps future patients,” he said. “That cycle—from patient generosity to improved outcomes—is what drives me every day.”
About the Author
Biobanking.com delivers valuable news and information on biobanking, biorepositories, cryopreservation, and sample/biospecimen management, while connects buyers with top vendors globally.
