Reminder: AABB Committees Seeking Feedback to Shape Updates to BB/TS Standards, IRL Standards

AABB members may submit feedback to help shape updates to the upcoming 34th edition of Standards for Blood Banks/Transfusion Services (BB/TS) and 13th edition of Standards for Immunohematology Reference Laboratories (IRL) through next Thursday, Feb. 23.

When submitting comments, individuals should identify the standard by its number at the beginning of their comments, especially if they plan to comment on more than one standard. Additionally, the BB/TS and IRL Standards Committees encourage those seeking to improve the clarity of a current standard to provide alternative wording. Those who agree or disagree strongly with a current standard are asked to state their reasons or submit data.

To inform comments on the new BB/TS Standards, commenters should refer to the 33rd edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, the document on which the draft 34th edition is based. To inform feedback on the new IRL Standards, commenters may refer to the 12th edition of Standards for Immunohematology Reference Laboratories. Those without access may email standards@aabb.org to request a complimentary two-week trial in the Standards Portal.

The BB/TS and IRL Standards Committees will meet this spring to draft and finalize their respective standards, followed by a 60-day public comment period. The new editions will take effect in 2024.