Fast-breaking News from AABB PulsePoints The following has been reproduced from the October 12, 2005 AABB PulsePoints, an electronic news alert provided by the American Association of Blood Banks.

October 12, 2005
No. 716

Association Bulletin #05-12:
ISBT 128 Implementation

AABB PulsePoints

AABB issued Association Bulletin #05-12 on Oct. 12, 2005. The AABB Board of Directors has reaffirmed its continued commitment to implementation of ISBT 128.In July 2005, the AABB Board of Directors approved a timeline for the implementation of the United States Industry Consensus Standards for the Uniform Labeling of Blood and Blood Components using ISBT 128.

The timeline approved by the board is associated with the development of the 24th and 25th editions of the Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services (BB/TS Standards) and the 2nd and 3rd editions of the Standards for Cellular Therapy Product Services (CT Standards). Accordingly, the plan calls for a gradual implementation of ISBT 128 labeling through Standards.

The timeline for implementation of ISBT 128 for facilities accredited under the BB/TS Standards is as follows:

• 24th edition (effective Nov. 1, 2006) will require that facilities have a written plan for the implementation of ISBT 128
• 25th edition (effective May 1, 2008) will require implementation of ISBT 128 by accredited facilities

The timeline for the implementation of ISBT 128 for facilities accredited under the CT Standards is as follows:

• 2nd edition (effective March 1, 2007) will require that facilities have a written plan for the implementation of ISBT 128
• 3rd edition (effective Sept. 1, 2008) will require implementation of ISBT 128 by accredited facilities

A copy of Association Bulletin #05-12, which contains background information on the rationale for the board’s decision, is located in the “Members Area” of the AABB Web site: http://www.aabb.org/Content/Members_Area/Association_Bulletins/ab05-12.htm.