Who is the AABB?
AABB is an international association of blood banks, including hospital and community blood centers, transfusion and transplantation services, and individuals involved in activities related to transfusion and transplantation medicine. Since its inception in 1947, AABB continues to support the highest standards of medical, technical and administrative performance, scientific investigation, clinical application and education. The association is dedicated to encouraging the voluntary donation of blood and other tissues and organs through education, public information and research. AABB member facilities are responsible for collecting virtually all of the nation’s blood supply and transfusing more than 80 percent. Nearly 2,000 institutions (community and hospital blood banks, hospital transfusion services, and laboratories) and about 8,000 individuals are members of AABB, including physicians, scientists, administrators, medical technologists, blood donor recruiters and public relations personnel. Members are located in all 50 states and 80 countries. AABB’s active membership provides direction to the association through its board of directors and more than 30 committees of dedicated volunteer professionals.

What distinguishes AABB Accreditation from others?
AABB assessments are based on the Standards that are developed by experts in the field. These standards consist of both quality and technical elements.

AABB Accreditation is a voluntary assessment program rather than a mandated inspection. Facilities that choose to seek AABB accreditation do so out of a facility's desire for and commitment to continuous improvement, education and quality. Unlike any other accrediting body, blood banking, transfusion medicine and cellular therapy are core competencies of AABB.

Membership in the AABB or being enrolled in the AABB accreditation program is not the same as accreditation by the AABB.

How is AABB Accreditation relevant in today's marketplace?
AABB Accreditation is the designation of choice for blood banking, transfusion medicine, blood management and cellular therapies because it demonstrates an organization's commitment to advanced learning, continuous improvement, and innovation by striving to sustain highest possible level of patient and donor care. AABB-accredited organizations are recognized by their peers as leaders in their field and as pivotal voices in the dialogue through which consensus-based, voluntary standards are developed and implemented.
 

“AABB Accreditation indicates that we are dealing with a committed quality service provider. We can feel confident that a product that we receive from an AABB accredited facility maintains the highest possible level of patient and donor care”

John J Doyle, M.D.
Bone Marrow Transplant Section Head
The Hospital For Sick Children - Toronto

What types of facilities are currently accredited by AABB?
AABB accredits laboratories and facilities worldwide that are involved in one or more of the following activities:

• Blood centers (collection, processing, testing and distribution)
• Hospital blood banks
• Transfusion services
• Hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) laboratories
• Umbilical Cord blood services
• Perioperative services
• Immunohematology reference laboratories (IRL)
• Parentage testing laboratories

Who are AABB Assessors?
Assessors are working professionals who are specially trained to conduct on-site assessments for AABB Accreditation. Most assessors have typically earned advanced degrees and offer many years of experience in the field. These professionals participate on a voluntary basis, donating their time and expertise to support the community in its longstanding commitment to deliver the highest quality of care for patients and donors.