Ensure safety with a Quality Certificate Program

Donor and product safety has improved significantly over the last decade as a consequence of the introduction of measures such as evidence-based blood donor selection criteria. In parallel, the implementation of quality assurance programs based on good manufacturing practices has also played a key role in improving the safety and quality of blood and blood components. The main objective of a quality program within the blood bank and transfusion service is to minimize risk to safety and quality by ensuring that the lab’s processes will reliably deliver safe blood and blood components. In many countries, implementation of a quality certificate program has become a regulatory or government requirement; however, an effective program not only forms the basis for safety but can also deliver benefits to the Blood Service beyond meeting compliance. Learn in this episode from AABB consulting services how commitment to safety and quality is available with the new AABB Quality Certificate Program – Based on AABB’s Fundamental Standards for Blood Collection and Transfusion, the Certificate is an internationally recognized distinction, acknowledging your facility’s commitment to a culture of quality and excellence. About our Speaker: Christine Bales is the AABB Vice President of the Consulting and Global Services and serves as a technical expert in Quality Management Systems for Blood Centers and Transfusion Services. Christine designs implementation models to be used as roadmaps for Blood Donor Centers and Transfusion Services’ facility accreditation processes and quality system improvements. She has experience as an assessor for AABB and a CAP inspector. Christine has over 20 years of management experience in clinical laboratories, blood donor centers, and hospital-based transfusion services. During Christine’s years as CEO and senior management, she led organizations through strategic planning, process improvement activities, and facility accreditation processes. Christine holds a Certificate in Organizational Leadership from Harvard University, a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Purdue University, and certifications in Medical Technology and Immunology from ASCP. She is a member of the AABB (Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies) ASCP (American Society of Clinical Pathology), ASQ (American Society for Quality), and CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute).