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Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 33rd Edition, Take Effect April 1

February 15, 2022

The 33rd edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (BBTS) will take effect April 1 and includes a number of changes and additions. AABB’s Blood Bank/Transfusion Service (BB/TS) Standards Committee highlighted the following updates:

  • In the “Preparation of Components” section (5.7.4 – 5.7.4.27), revised standards require confidence intervals for certain products where appropriate.
  • New Standard 5.7.4.16.1 concerns components created from pathogen-reduced plasma to ensure facilities using these products maintain them as dictated by manufacturer’s instructions.
  • New Standards 5.7.4.23.1, 5.7.4.24.1, 5.7.4.25.1, and 5.7.4.26.1 ensure that low-yield platelet products are labeled appropriately, including an accurate platelet count.
  • Standard 5.27.1 contains a new substandard requiring that facilities define a low-titer threshold for the use of group O whole blood.
  • A new entry to Reference Standard 5.4.1A concerns the receipt of SARS-COV-2 vaccines and any associated deferrals. The content of the entry matches the requirements set forth by the Food and Drug Administration in September 2020.

The 33rd edition is available in the AABB Store in an electronic format, print format, or as a bundle of both versions. A bundle of 33rd edition (in print) and the Guidance for Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services is also available. Organizations interested in adopting the Standards can participate in a complimentary two-week trial of the electronic version of the 33rd edition in the Standards Portal.

For those implementing the 33rd edition of BBTS Standards, the BB/TS Standards Committee has created a document titled, “The Significant Changes and Response to Comments to the 33rd edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services.”

Finally, AABB will be hosting an eCast on Thursday, Feb. 24, where members of the BB/TS Standards Committee will discuss and explain the significant changes to the 33rd edition. Individuals who would like to participate may register online.

Individuals with questions regarding the Standards should contact standards@aabb.org.