2013 LMH Blood Bank Earns AABB Re-accreditation
The Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) blood bank earned re-accreditation in 2013 by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB). The AABB assesses blood banks to ensure their quality and operational systems are in compliance with AABB standards, the Code of Federal Regulations and other federal guidelines.
Debbie Young, Vice President Patient Care Services, explained the value of the AABB’s accreditation process. “Blood banks submit to AABB’s strict review on a voluntary basis,” she said. “We are proud that LMH has achieved AABB accreditation again because AABB promotes a high level of professional and medical expertise for the acquisition, processing, storage and dispensing of blood products. It is through these stringent efforts that patients can be assured the blood products we use at LMH are safe.”
LMH’s accreditation followed an intensive on-site assessment in August by a specially trained AABB assessor who established that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance of LMH’s blood bank met or exceeded the standards set by AABB.”
In addition to supplying blood components for patients, the LMH blood bank performs typing and compatibility testing. The blood bank is located within the LMH Laboratory Department.