IMPORTANT NOTICE: AATB Standards are subject to revision at any time pursuant to the Association’s procedures. Such revisions may consist of the addition of a new Standard, the rescission of an existing Standard, and/or the partial amendment of a Standard. Notice of each such revision is given by AATB by posting on the Association’s website, and distributing via email, a “Bulletin” that announces those changes and their respective effective dates. Persons seeking to determine the current provisions of Standards should always review the Bulletins for any such announcement of revisions to Standards or may request a current and effective copy of the Standards by sending a request to the AATB mailbox: accreditation@aatb.org. Please contact AATB's headquarters office for any questions concerning Standards or revisions thereof.
Bulletin 19-1
Published on: January 31, 2019
Following guidance provided by the Board of Governors, AATB is introducing a new schedule for the approval and announcement of changes to standards pertaining to the 14th Edition and the 2nd Edition of the NT Standards (collectively referred to as "Standards"). The highlights of the new Revision Approval and Announcement System effective January 1, 2019 can be found here:
Bulletin 18-8
Published on: June 20, 2018
The Board of Governors acted on recommendations from the Standards Committee and approved changes to the 14th Edition of AATB's Standards for Tissue Banking (Standards). This announcement requires your attention to review and potentially update your Standard Operating Procedures Manual (SOPM) and educate staff.
Bulletin 18-7
Published on: June 15, 2018
This guidance updates information in the March 2016 guidance by:
providing findings from more recent epidemiological studies including impact on public health;
reporting new data that informs the potential for transmission of ZIKV;
discussing the current status of availability of ZIKV tests;
updating sexual contact risk factors;
updating when an area is considered to have an increased risk for ZIKV transmission; and
providing additional scientific references.
Bulletin 18-6
Published on: May 29, 2018
The deadline for submission of comments for Draft Guidance Document No. 11: Creation, Retention, and Security of Images Used in Tissue Banking has been extended. Surveys conducted by the AATB revealed the increasing use of photography and digital images in tissue banking processes among accredited institutions.
Bulletin 18-5
Published on: May 03, 2018
On May 2, 2018, the FDA posted an updated guidance outlining donor screening recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of transmission of Zika Virus by HCT/Ps.
