AABB Issues Interim Standards to 33rd Edition of BB/TS Standards

AABB issued interim standards to the 33rd edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (BB/TS Standards). The interim standards, outlined in Association Bulletin #23-05, reflect edits to the component section of the 33rd edition of BB/TS Standards. These changes were initially proposed for 30-day member and public comment in September.

The updates and additions to the 33rd edition of BB/TS Standards are based on the Food and Drug Administration guidance for industry, “Alternative Procedures for the Manufacture of Cold-Stored Platelets Intended for the Treatment of Active Bleeding when Conventional Platelets Are Not Available or Their Use Is Not Practical,” issued June 23, 2023. These edits include updating Standard 5.6.5.1; creating new Standards 5.6.5.2, 5.6.5.2.1, 5.6.5.2.2 and 5.6.5.2.2.1; and providing updates to Reference Standard 5.1.8A, “Requirements for Storage, Transportation.”

AABB-accredited facilities should implement the updates and additions to the 33rd edition immediately. However, AABB members should note that facilities that do not collect, use, store or transport cold-stored platelets are not required to implement these standards, nor will they be assessed against them. AABB has also included these standards in the forthcoming 34th edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services.

The changes described in this Association Bulletin are reflected in the 33rd edition of BB/TS Standards and in the Standards Portal. Those with questions may contact AABB’s Standards Department at standards@aabb.org.