American Red Cross granted accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 1996--The Carolinas Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross has been granted accreditation by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), according to Dr. Jerry Squires, chief executive officer.

Accreditation follows an intensive, on-site inspection by specially trained representatives of the Association and establishes that the level of medical, technical, and administrative performance within the facility meets or exceeds the standards set by the AABB. By successfully meeting those requirements, the American Red Cross joins more than 2,000 similar facilities across the United States and abroad that have earned AABB accreditation.

"The AABB's inspection and accreditation procedures are voluntary," Dr. Squires explained. "The Red Cross has sought AABB accreditation because this program assists facilities around the country in achieving excellence by promoting a level of professional and medical expertise that contributes to quality performance."

Since 1958, the AABB has been engaged in the voluntary inspection and accreditation of blood banks and transfusion services. The Inspection and Accreditation Program assists blood banks and transfusion services in determining whether methods, procedures, personnel knowledge, equipment and the physical plant meet established requirements.

The minimum requirements for accreditation of blood banks and transfusion services are based primarily on the AABB's Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services. The AABB's Committee on Inspection and Accreditation assures compliance with these criteria before granting accreditation. These standards not only set the level of professional proficiency for blood banks and transfusion services in the United States, but also provide the basis of practice for similar facilities around the world.

CONTACT: Blood Services Carolinas Region, Charlotte

Lisa Johnson, 704/347-8238