The SVI Biobank is managed and housed by the National Serology Reference Laboratory (NRL), located on the St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne campus.

It was established in 2015 as a new facility at NRL, with the support of the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust (HMSTrust).

We provide safe and reliable storage of human specimens – including whole blood, plasma, serum, and tissue – for any disease type.

The SVI Biobank has now grown to a collection of more than 50,000 specimens from over 1800 participants.

World-class biobanking with ISO 20387 accreditation

We are proud to be one of the few biobanks in Australia accredited to ISO 20387: General Requirements for Biobanking by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).

This internationally recognised accreditation ensures every sample we handle meets strict standards for quality, traceability, and integrity, enabling their use in studies worldwide and maximising the impact of every donation.

Our accredited status gives customers complete confidence that biological materials and associated data are managed using verified methods, under rigorous international standards, and with the highest level of care and reliability.


Find out more about NRL's accreditation

Biobanking services

The SVI Biobank offers an end-to-end service that encompasses:

  • Pre-study consultation and planning
  • Sample collection and processing
  • Troubleshooting and ongoing adaptation to changing study needs
  • 24/7 temperature monitored freezers
  • Secure de-identified data collation

We offer the complete package for research study needs, tailoring services to the needs of each individual study.

Samples can be stored for any disease type: we currently store diabetes, cancer, hepatitis, HIV and HTLV samples.

We supply safe storage and access to critical samples for Australian, New Zealand and global teams undertaking:

  • Primary research
  • Translational research
  • Clinical research
  • Clinical trials

We can work with you prior to grant submission, to advise on protocols and to provide budgeting information.

Find out more

Get in touch with Katherine Woods, Biobank Coordinator, or visit the NRL website to find out more.


Find out more