AABB2026: ICCBBA Learning Lab ISBT 128 in Action

AABB Annual Meeting attendees gained practical experience with ISBT 128 during an interactive Learning Lab, held on Monday afternoon and led by ICCBBA’s Erwin Cabana, Kayla Perez and Robin White. The session highlighted the expanding application of ISBT 128 across blood, cellular therapies, tissues and other medical products of human origin.

Combining brief presentations with hands-on activities, the workshop brought a creative approach to learning, from laptop-based coding exercises to the playful rip of Velcro.

Participants explored ISBT 128 data structures, learned the type of information encoded in barcodes, interpreted product codes using ICCBBA’s online resources, and assembled mock labels with Velcro-backed components, among other engaging activities. The exercises reinforced standardized labeling practices, including the correct placement of barcodes and essential product information on blood and cellular therapy labels.

With ISBT 128 incorporated into applicable AABB Standards, the Learning Lab demonstrated how hands-on education can make complex technical requirements more approachable while reinforcing the importance of accurate product identification, traceability, quality and patient safety.