AABB Association News


Upcoming audioconference to focus on ISBT 128 for cellular products

AABB SmartBrief | Jan 05, 2009

A Jan. 14 audioconference hosted by AABB will focus on the advantages and obstacles involved with implementing ISBT 128 for cellular products, tissues, derivatives and beyond, as well as examine tools available to simplify the selection of product codes and review efforts to integrate ISBT 128 from various patient service providers. Learn more about this session.


Reminder: Proposed 26th edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services available for public comment

AABB SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009

The proposed 26th edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services is available for public comment. A summary of the significant changes and revisions reflected in this edition also has been posted to assist facilities in their review of the proposed requirements, which take effect Nov. 1. The comment period closes Jan. 21. Learn more or view the summary of significant changes and revisions.


NBF accepting online donations to support research grants

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008

The National Blood Foundation is accepting donations online to support research grants and other initiatives that benefit patients, donors and the safety of the blood supply. The research grants provide funding for one- or two-year projects in the field of blood banking, transfusion medicine, and cellular and related therapies. Since 1985, NBF has awarded $5.5 million in grants to 152 scientific researchers. Learn more or donate today.


Reminder: AABB accepting applications for 2009, 2010 awards

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008

Do you know someone who has contributed to the transfusion medicine, immunohematology or cellular therapies fields by demonstrating excellent teaching ability? If so, consider nominating them for an AABB Memorial Award, one of several AABB awards categories for 2009-10. Nomination forms must be completed and submitted by Jan. 30, 2009. Recipients of each award will be recognized during the 2009 or 2010 AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO. Learn more.


Deadline to submit 2010 audioconference proposals is Wednesday

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 29, 2008

Only a couple of days remain -- until Wednesday, Dec. 31 -- to submit proposals for the 2010 audioconference series. Consideration will be given to 60-minute programs with a focus on technical/clinical, scientific, recruitment/collections, quality/education, cellular therapies and leadership management. Submit a proposal or contact the education department with questions. Proposals also can be faxed to (301) 951-3729.


New York Blood Center CEO announces retirement

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 26, 2008

New York Blood Center President and CEO Robert L. Jones, M.D., informed his staff on Tuesday that he will be retiring effective April 30. Jones has led the blood center for the past 11 years. An official announcement is expected today.


2009 National Blood Foundation grant applications due Tuesday

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 26, 2008

Those interested in applying for the 2009 NBF Scientific Research Grants have until Dec. 30 to submit a proposal. Research grants fund one- or two-year projects in the fields of blood banking, transfusion medicine, and cellular and related therapies, with a maximum award of $75,000 per grant. Awards will be announced in June. Learn more.


January audioconference to focus on lab comparisons in cellular therapy, employee performance and ISBT 128 for CT products

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 24, 2008

AABB will host three audioconferences in January, focusing on issues of interest to the transfusion medicine community. "Interlaboratory Comparisons in the Field of Cellular Therapy" will be held Jan. 7, followed by "Setting Employee Performance Expectations" on Jan. 13. "ISBT 128 for Cellular Products, Tissues, Derivatives and Beyond" will be held Jan. 14. Learn more.


Reminder: Draft perioperative standards available for public comment

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 23, 2008

The proposed draft of the fourth edition of Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration is available for public comment. The comment period will run through Feb. 12, 2009. The Perioperative Standards Program Unit encourages all interested individuals to submit comments during this two-month time frame. Learn more.


Updated journal supplement with Annual Meeting abstracts now available online

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 22, 2008

A corrected version of the TRANSFUSION journal supplement containing abstracts presented at this year's AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO now is available online. This version should be used for all citations. It will not be reprinted in hard copy form. View the supplement.


Documentary examining deadly blood disorders, lifesaving research to premiere tonight

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 19, 2008

A documentary focusing on the life-saving work of hematologists will air tonight on the Discovery Health Channel. "Blood Detectives" -- produced in conjunction with the American Society of Hematologists -- highlights the work of hematologists as they unravel medical mysteries from leukemia to blood clots. The film is the cornerstone of Blood: The Vital Connection, a public education campaign launched recently by ASH that aims to educate audiences about how blood affects total health. Learn more.


2009 National Blood Foundation grant applications due by end of month

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 18, 2008

Those interested in applying for the 2009 NBF Scientific Research Grants have until Dec. 30 to submit a proposal. Research grants fund one- or two-year scientific research projects in the field of blood banking, transfusion medicine, and cellular and related therapies, with a maximum award of $75,000 per grant. Awards will be announced in June 2009. Learn more.


AABB receives patient safety organization listing

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 17, 2008

AABB's Patient and Donor Safety Center officially has been listed as a patient safety organization by the HHS. The recognition, which is effective for three years beginning today, guarantees confidentiality for data needed for analysis and safety improvements by encouraging clinicians and health care organizations to voluntarily report and share patient safety data without fear of legal discovery. AABB's Patient and Donor Safety Center will collect and analyze this type of data as a part of its activities in support of the U.S. Biovigilance Network. Learn more about the U.S. Biovigilance Network or view the list of approved patient safety organizations.


Proposal deadline approaching for 2010 audioconference series

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 16, 2008

Less than two weeks remain to submit proposals for the 2010 audioconference series. Consideration will be given to 60-minute programs with a focus on technical/clinical, scientific, recruitment/collections, quality/education, cellular therapies, and leadership management. All proposals must be received by Dec. 31. Submit a proposal or contact the education department with questions. Proposals also can be faxed to (301) 951-3729.


Draft perioperative standards available for public comment

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 15, 2008

The proposed draft of the fourth edition of Standards for Perioperative Autologous Blood Collection and Administration is now available for public comment. The comment period will run through Feb. 12, 2009. The Perioperative Standards Program Unit encourages all interested individuals to submit comments during this two-month time frame. Learn more.


Special AABB e-membership offered for international nonmembers

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 12, 2008

A one-year trial membership is being offered for individuals living outside the U.S. who are not current or prior members of AABB. For only $48, e-members can access online versions of AABB News, AABB Weekly Report, TRANSFUSION and other exclusive association resources, as well as receive discounts on books, audioconferences and registration fees for the AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO. Learn more or apply today.


National Blood Foundation now accepting donations online

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 11, 2008

The National Blood Foundation now is accepting donations online to support research grants and other initiatives that benefit patients, donors and the safety of the blood supply. The research grants provide funding for one- or two-year projects in the field of blood banking, transfusion medicine, and cellular and related therapies. Since 1985, NBF has awarded $5.5 million in grants to 152 scientific researchers. Learn more or donate today.


Reminder: HCT/P establishments must complete annual registration by end of this month

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 10, 2008

Establishments that manufacture human cells, tissues, and cellular- and tissue-based products have until Dec. 31 to complete their annual registration with the Food and Drug Administration. Instructions for listing HCT/Ps have been revised this year, as have policies and procedures for submitting the form. FDA is encouraging facilities to submit the form through electronic registration. Review the revised instructions or submit form electronically.


Reminder: AABB currently accepting nominations for 2009, 2010 awards

AABB SmartBrief | Dec 09, 2008

AABB is seeking nominations for AABB Memorial Awards, Outstanding Achievement Awards and Awards of Merit. Recipients will be recognized during the 2009 or 2010 AABB Annual Meeting and TXPO. Individuals are encouraged to nominate candidates by completing and submitting the online nomination form by the Jan. 30, 2009, deadline. Learn more or send questions to AABB's public relations department.




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