The Importance of AABB Assessors

AABB assessors play a vital role in advancing quality and safety across the blood and biotherapies community. As integral members of the AABB Accreditation Program, these volunteer professionals use their expertise to evaluate facilities against AABB standards, share knowledge and support continuous quality improvement.

For many assessors, the experience extends far beyond the accreditation process. The role offers opportunities to strengthen their professional expertise, collaborate with colleagues throughout the world and gain new perspectives that they can bring back to their own organizations.

Below, several AABB assessors share their experiences and reflect on the professional and personal value of serving in this role.

Ame Pousson, BSN, RN, QIA

Vice President of Clinical and Donor Services
We Are Blood
AABB assessor for two years

“I get to work with other facilities, meet new people and learn how others do things differently than we do at my blood center. I also gain a deeper understanding of AABB standards and how to comply with them. Plus, I get to travel.”

Donna Lucia, BS, MT(ASCP), CQA(ASQ)

Transfusion and Tissue Service Multi-Site Team Leader
MedStar Union Memorial Hospital and MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital
AABB assessor for more than 16 years

“My favorite aspect of being an AABB assessor is the focus on quality. When I assess health care systems with strong quality practices, it inspires me to look at my own facilities with the same level of scrutiny. I use my assessor training to help ensure we are fully compliant.

“The AABB Office is available whenever I need support. I’ve only had to contact them once for clarification, but having that confirmation is important.

“I encourage others to become AABB assessors because the experience can improve not only their own knowledge but also the knowledge and practices within their hospitals, facilities or blood centers.”

Khan Lodin

Medical Laboratory Scientist
Banner Health
AABB assessor since 2017

“I’ve been conducting a lot of assessments recently, and the best part is visiting other hospitals and health systems, learning from them and sharing my knowledge. I love it.

“The AABB Office is always there when we have questions about a standard or need clarification. In my experience, they respond within five to 10 minutes. They also provide tools to help us find answers, and if we need additional assistance, we can reach them by phone, email or Teams. They’re always there to help.”

Vasiliki E. Kalodimou, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, CABP (H)

Director, Flow Cytometry–Research & Regenerative Medicine
IASO, EUC Frankfurt Branch
AABB assessor since 2008

“Being an assessor gives those of us in cellular therapies and biotherapies opportunities to exchange knowledge, see what’s happening around the world and build relationships. We learn more about AABB standards, how to comply with them and how to advance the field of cellular therapies.

“I love being an assessor. The AABB Office is always there for us. They have our backs and are just a phone call away.”

Emmett Gourdine

System Director, Transfusion Services
Medical University of South Carolina
AABB assessor since 1996

“The AABB Office provides tremendous support for us. They give us opportunities to travel around the world to conduct AABB assessments, gain knowledge through assessor training and collaborate with our peers. As AABB members, we contribute not only by conducting assessments but also by building our accreditation standards through peer review assessments and improving technology to support our donors and patients.

“A classic example of that support occurred when I was in Brazil, trying to get to another country to conduct an assessment, but couldn’t get there. The AABB Office worked with the airlines and the host country to help me get to my next destination.”

*AABB's Assessor Training Program is one of the most prestigious assessor training programs in the world. Enhance your career and make an impact by becoming an AABB assessor today. For more information, contact AABB's Accreditation team at accreditation@aabb.org or +1.301.215.6942.