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Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services

Outlines requirements for donor qualification, blood collection, processing, storage, and transfusion.

Current edition: 34th edition
Effective date: April 1, 2024
Revision cycle: 24 months (April of even numbered years)


Purchase Standards

Acquiring Standards

The print version, portal version, printed guidance and bundle packages of the 33rd edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services are available for purchase.

Note: The print version, portal version, printed guidance and bundle packages of the 34th edition of Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services are available for purchase, however will not take effect until April 1, 2024.

Standards Development

  • Response to Comments - Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 30th edition. For a complete look at the significant changes that have been made to the 30th edition, please refer to the Guidance within the Standards Portal.
  • Response to Comments - Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 31st edition. For a complete look at the significant changes that have been made to the 31st edition, please refer to the Guidance within the Standards Portal.
  • Response to Comments and Significant Changes to the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 32nd edition.
  • Response to Comments and Significant Changes to the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 33rd edition.
  • Response to Comments and Significant Changes to the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 34th edition.

Accreditation Activities

AABB sets standards for blood banks and transfusion services, designed to ensure the highest levels of quality and safety for patients and donors at all times. AABB accredits blood banks and transfusion services that meet these high standards.

Facilities may be accredited for one of the following activities:

Transfusion Service

A facility that performs one or more of the following activities: compatibility testing, storage, selection and issuing of blood, blood components, tissues and/or derivatives to intended recipients.

Blood Bank

A facility that performs, or is responsible for the performance of, the collection, processing, compatibility testing, storage, selection and issuing of blood, blood components, tissues and/or derivatives intended for transfusion and transplantation.

Donor Center

A facility that performs, or is responsible for the performance of the collection, processing, testing or distribution of blood and blood components.

Donor Testing

A laboratory that performs testing on samples of blood and blood products collected from donors.