AABB Releases First Edition of Standards for Emergency Prehospital and Scheduled Out-of-Hospital Transfusions

April 16, 2025

AABB is pleased to announce the release of the first edition of Standards for Emergency Prehospital and Scheduled Out-of-Hospital Transfusions (EPSOHT Standards) in the AABB Store.

The EPSOHT Standards are designed to enhance the quality and safety of transfusion services provided in both emergency medical services and scheduled out-of-hospital settings, including infusion centers, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and hospice or home care environments. This edition introduces new concepts for prehospital transfusions while updating content from the Standards for Out-of-Hospital Transfusion Administration Services, released by AABB in 2018.

Notable updates from the 2018 Standards for Out-of-Hospital Transfusion Administration Services include the restructuring of Chapter 5, “Process Control,” into distinct sections for prehospital and out-of-hospital activities.

Additional significant information in the EPSOHT Standards includes:

Standard 5.7.4, requiring two ABO determinations for out-of-hospital recipients.
Standard 5.11.2.1, mandating patient identification remains attached throughout transfusion.
Standard 5.3, addressing prehospital blood administration procedures.
Standard 5.4, outlining the use of uncrossmatched blood in prehospital settings.

The EPSOHT Standards will take effect July 1 and remain in effect for a two-year period.

The first edition is available in print, as a digital edition and print-digital bundle. AABB also offers a bundle that includes the EPSOHT Standards and accompanying guidance to support implementation.

Facilities and agencies interested in learning more about the standards may access a complimentary two-week trial in the AABB Store.