Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Earns AABB Accreditation

August 28, 2009

Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has received accreditation from AABB, an international association of individuals and institutions in transfusion and cellular therapy activity, for sound practices in working with the community to provide a safe and adequate supply of blood for local patients.

In an intensive assessment, specially trained AABB officials determined that The Blood Center’s technical and administrative performance successfully met AABB standards, which are followed by institutions across the globe. The accreditation process is conducted every two years.

“In every aspect of maintaining the blood supply, we strive for the highest quality and safety standards,” said Sharon Garcia, director of Quality Assurance for Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. “The AABB accreditation process is voluntary, but it’s our goal to exceed these accepted standards as we support the community.”

The AABB accreditation program helps ensure best practices are applied in the collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering of blood and cellular therapy products by assessing the quality standards and operational systems in place at facilities.

AABB membership consists of approximately 1,800 institutions and 8,000 individuals, and is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs and services to optimize patient and donor care and safety.