AABB Provides Complimentary Resources for Blood Community to Aid in Implementation of Individual Donor Assessments

Bethesda, Md. – The Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies (AABB) is pleased to offer a resource library with training materials and job aids for U.S. blood collection facilities as they prepare for the implementation of individual donor assessment (IDA) protocols to determine blood donor eligibility.

The IDA resource library, found on AABB’s website at www.aabb.org/IDA, comprises multiple documents and tools designed to aid blood collection facility staff in preparing for IDA. In addition, AABB is offering on-demand education modules to further assist members of the blood community in navigating the challenges of implementing IDA. All resources are available for free to members of the blood and biotherapies community.

AABB thanks Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies for their support of the IDA e-Learning education modules. This support allows AABB to offer the education modules to members of the community for free.

AABB encourages members of the blood and biotherapies community to visit the IDA resource library and take advantage of the available materials. The following resources are currently available:

• Timeline for Implementation of Individual Donor Assessments: Talking Points and FAQs for Blood Collection Facilities
• FAQs on Individual Donor Assessment Screening
• How Individual Donor Assessment Was Informed by Research
• Chart of FDA Recommended Deferrals to Reduce the Risk of HIV Transmission Through Blood and Blood Components
• Sex-Positive Conversations Training
• Individual Donor Assessment Primer: Sex-Positivity and Inclusivity
• AABB News April 2023: A New Era of Blood Donor Eligibility

In addition, the resource library offers access to the first training module, “Individual Donor Assessment Foundational Training,” a 30-minute on-demand program. This training video is intended for all donor-facing staff and others working in blood collection facilities who are interested in learning more about IDA and how to create an inclusive environment for all donors. This module includes training on the following topics:

• Navigating donor conversations with the use of sex-positive language and presenting best practices for addressing sensitive and personal topics.
• Recognizing the impact of judgmental and biased language on donors and members of marginalized identity groups.
• Understanding how appropriate sex-positive language and terminology contribute to a respectful, equitable experience for all donors.
• Exploring techniques to handle emotional responses to tough conversations.
• Ensuring all donors and potential donors have a positive experience at the blood collection facility, which will help to ensure donor retention.