On 25 and 26 November 2025, technical assistants from 11 biobanks of the German Biobank Network (GBN) took part in an intensive on-site training course in Leipzig. The event was organised by the team from the GBN partner biobank Leipzig Medical Biobank (LMB).
Theory and practice hand in hand
The focus was on the isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using density gradient centrifugation. After a theoretical introduction with lectures on haematological diseases and their diagnostics, isolation methods, quality and quantity determination as well as pre-analytical parameters and storage influences, the practical part followed on the second day: In small groups, the participants carried out PBMC isolation themselves, including subsequent quality control, under the guidance of experienced LMB employees.
"It was important to us not only to show a protocol, but also to create space for practical tips and the comparison of different working methods," emphasised Kristin Kolbe, Senior Technical Assistant at the LMB. "It is precisely the different experiences from the biobanks that make such training courses so valuable."
The head of the LMB, Dr Ronny Baber, also emphasised the mutual exchange: "When we discuss methods, quality standards and their challenges together, research, clinics and therefore patients benefit in the end."
Positive feedback and requests for further topics
The feedback from the participants confirmed this impression: they particularly praised the excellent organisation, the pleasant atmosphere, the high proportion of practical experience and the open exchange of experiences. There was also great interest in further topics such as quality control, analysis after thawing PBMCs, pre-analytical influences on applications, CAR-T cell therapies and practical questions on sterility.
Further information and links:
- GBN webinar: PBMCs - anything but peripheral