City of Hope recently successfully completed a two-day unannounced biennial survey by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).
 Surveyors praised the quality of blood-related services. (Photo by Walter Urie) |
The AABB assesses the quality and operational systems in place at blood banks and cellular therapy facilities throughout the nation to help improve the safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and cellular therapy products.
Areas surveyed were blood bank and transfusion services and the Stem Cell Processing Lab, Blood Donor Center and Therapeutic Apheresis Center. Surveyors issued positive results, with no direct patient care-related recommendations.
“We fully anticipate that upon review of the assessment findings by the AABB national office, City of Hope will be awarded continued accreditation for two years,” said Dale Adams, Pharm.D., vice president and chief pharmacy officer.
The four surveyors indicated that they were impressed with City of Hope’s staff competency, state-of-the-art facilities, detail of services provided and the volume of work carried out. Two of the surveyors indicated that if they or a family member needed treatment, City of Hope would be one of the facilities where they would go for care.
The surveyors also identified a commendable safety practice of an auto shut-off mechanism for liquid nitrogen. The AABB will share the practice on its website.
Adams congratulated City of Hope staff on the results. “Your efforts make it possible for us to provide excellent care for our patients and have resulted in this positive survey outcome,” Adams said.
