The first edition of Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration was published in 2001 and became effective on March 1, 2002. Previously, AABB requirements for perioperative programs were published as part of the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services.
The AABB hopes that setting standards and accrediting facilities for perioperative activities, will contribute to the development of a national forum for anesthesiologists, perfusionists, surgeons, transfusionists, and other professionals involved in the delivery of perioperative services. The Perioperative Standards and the annual blood management conference are planned and developed with input from other organizations in the field, such as the American Society for Extra-Corporeal Technology (AmSECT) and the Society for the Advancement of Blood Management (SABM).
In previous years, the Perioperative Standards was revised on a 24-month schedule, with new editions becoming effective on November 1 of odd-numbered years, however the cycle was extended for the 5th edition. The fourth edition of Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration became effective November 1, 2009.
Work on the 5th edition has been completed and will be available for purchase towards the end of 2012. The 5th edition becomes effective on January 1, 2013; subsequent editions will be published every two years.