CDC to Lead 2025 NBCUS, Seeks Feedback on Burden Estimate

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) invited public comments on the 2025 National Blood Collection and Utilization Survey in a Federal Register notice published Friday.

Updates for 2025 include simplified response options, removal of outdated policy questions and defining a shortage as having less than a 24-hour supply of any blood products. New questions will address bacterial transfusion-transmitted infections, the duration of blood shortages, cold storage of platelets and pathogen-reduced cryoprecipitated units. CDC also requested approval for approximately 4,612 annual burden hours for respondents.

CDC will manage data collection activities for the 2025 NBCUS, taking over survey administration from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH).

Conducted biennially since 1997, the NBCUS is the primary method of gathering information on blood collection and use in the U.S. Its results provide federal agencies and other organizations a better understanding of blood supply and demand, providing an accurate basis for identifying and planning regulations and strategies.

The deadline to submit comments is Feb. 3.