AABB Seeking Feedback on Proposed Interim Standards Focusing on Infectious Disease Testing for Facilities Outside the US

AABB is seeking public comment on proposed interim standards related to infectious disease testing for Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease) and West Nile virus (WNV) for facilities located outside of the United States. The proposed interim standards would apply to the 34th edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (BB/TS Standards) and the 12th edition of Standards for Cellular Therapy Services (CT Standards).

AABB’s Blood Banks and Transfusion Service Standards Committee and Cellular Therapies Standards Committee are proposing these interim standards to establish donor deferral periods for individuals who have traveled to WNV- and Chagas-endemic countries. The standards would apply to facilities in countries where this testing is not required by the local competent authority. Accredited facilities should note that these proposed additions would not apply to facilities in the United States or in countries where the competent authority already requires testing for these agents.

The proposed standards are available for public comment through Feb. 22. Interested individuals may submit feedback on the proposed standards via Jotform or via email. The committees will review all comments and make any edits deemed appropriate following the conclusion of the comment period. Once finalized, the interim standards will be incorporated into the 34th edition and the forthcoming 35th edition of BB/TS Standards and the 12th edition of CT Standards, respectively.

The proposed interim standard additions and revisions are available on the AABB website.