AABB convened the Inter-organizational Task Force on Biovigilance in July 2006 to explore the possibility of developing a comprehensive biovigilance network in the U.S.  The Task Force — comprised of key stakeholders in the transfusion and cellular therapies communities, including blood centers, hospitals, the federal government, experts on data collection and experienced individuals from other countries with hemovigilance systems  — has worked closely together through its steering committee and working groups.

AABB’s track record and its collaborative work with governmental and independent partners in the transfusion and transplantation communities position the organization to lead the development of a comprehensive U.S. Biovigilance Network. AABB draws on its Center for Data and Special Programs (formerly the National Blood Data Resource Center), its experience in data collection and analysis, its experience with existing surveillance efforts for West Nile virus and Chagas’ disease, its international network of contacts, and the strong commitment of its leadership to support the creation of this Network.

AABB is providing the organizational structure for developing the Network. AABB already has taken the following steps:

·         Committed AABB leadership and financial resources to the project.

·         Identified key organizations for strategic alliances and partnerships.

·         Achieved consensus among various stakeholders regarding the need and structure.

·         Developed a project timeline for implementation of the system and a project budget estimated at $4 million.

·         Secured over  $1 million in resource commitment in from the federal government.

·         Begun collaborative development, with input from Task Force work groups, of the transfusion recipient and blood donor systems.

·         Created a business plan for the period 2007-2010, which includes marketing, sales, communication, branding, user value-added elements, possible services, and options for fees and funding to sustain the Network.

·         Initiated discussion of long-term financial support at the federal government level.

·         Secured participants and funding.

·         Collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop a long-term plan for governance.

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