AABB Issues Interim Standards Focusing on Infectious Disease Testing for Facilities Outside the US

AABB has issued interim standards for the 35th edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (BB/TS Standards) and 12th edition of Standards for Cellular Therapy Services (CT Standards) via Association Bulletin #26-02. The interim standards took effect April 1.

These interim standards address infectious disease testing for Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas disease) and West Nile virus (WNV) for facilities outside the United States. They establish deferral or donor ineligibility periods for WNV and Chagas testing in countries where this testing is not required by the local competent authority. The standards do not apply to facilities in the U.S. or in countries where such testing is already mandated.

AABB issued the interim standards for public comment from Jan. 15 to Feb. 22 and received a substantial number of comments, which were reviewed by the appropriate standards committees. The interim standards have since been incorporated into the 35th edition of BB/TS Standards and the 12th edition of CT Standards.

The interim standards are available in the AABB Standards Portal. AABB will include Association Bulletin #26-02 in all future printed editions distributed after purchase.

Those with questions or concerns may contact AABB’s Standards Department via email.