ABSTRACT
The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) is the professional society for almost 8500 individuals involved in blood banking and transfusion medicine. It also represents more than 2000 institutional members, including community and Red Cross blood collection centers, hospital-based blood banks, and transfusion services that collect, process, distribute, and transfuse blood and blood components. Members are responsible for virtually all of the blood collected and more than 80% of the blood transfused in the United States. Throughout its 50-year history, the AABB’s highest priority has been to maintain and enhance the safety of the nation’s blood supply. To ensure the safety and adequacy of the nation’s blood supply, the AABB sets voluntary standards and accredits institutions that implement the standards.
