Comments Due Monday for Interim Standard on Sterile Weld

Following the initial comment period on interim standards published in April 2022, AABB is seeking public comment on a new version of the proposed interim standard for the 33rd edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (BB/TS) through Monday, July 11. 

During the initial 30-day comment period on the proposed interim standards, AABB’s BB/TS Standards Committee heard from many members that clarity was needed surrounding which expiration time would apply in the case where two could exist. As a result, the Committee rewrote Standard 5.7.2.1.1 in a manner that requires facilities to follow the more stringent of the two expiration times. Writing the standard as a list ensures that these options are clear.

Based on feedback, the Committee also created new Standard 5.7.2.1.1.1 to ensure that, in situations where individuals are using a container that is not approved for component storage, that expiration time for the component is either four hours or a time defined and validated by the facility.

To comment on the proposed changes, please submit comments via Jotform or via email to standards@aabb.org before the conclusion of the comment period.

As noted previously, while the interim standard is out for comment, AABB’s Accreditation Department will ensure that facilities assessed under the current language will not receive nonconformances if they are not in compliance with Standard 5.7.2.1.3.