GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ISBT 128

Blood product labeling is going through some revolutionary changes. A new global standard called ISBT (International Society of Blood Transfusion) 128 has been developed for the identification, labeling and information processing of human blood, tissue and organ products across international borders and disparate health care systems. The standard has been designed and perfected over a 12-year period to ensure the highest levels of accuracy, safety and efficiency for the benefit of donors, patients and blood centers. In June 2000, the FDA approved the use of ISBT 128.

The AABB, in Association Bulletin #05-12, established a May 1, 2008 implementation deadline for its accredited blood centers and hospital transfusion services. United Blood Services will introduce the new ISBT 128 labeling system on all blood products on April 28, 2008.

In a world of increased globalization and multinational relief efforts, blood products often cross over the boundaries of nations and continents. International bar code standardization will ensure that the necessary information is included on all blood products, regardless of their origin or destination. In the long run, bar code standardization will result in lower operating costs, as it cuts down the need to translate or track blood that is imported from another facility. No date has yet been set for complete worldwide implementation, but currently most European and Middle Eastern countries have switched to the new labeling system. Only one U.S. blood center is currently utilizing the new labels, but all branches of the U.S. military have made the transition.

This section of the Hospital Handbook Online will include information about the United Blood Services ISBT 128 transition, including project plans and timelines, communications, education and customer support. For general information about ISBT 128, visit www.isbt128.org. To contact the United Blood Services ISBT 128 Transition Team, email Helen Pleasant at ISBTCore@bloodsystems.org.