The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) recently granted accreditation to Gift of Life’s Cord Blood Program, which is housed on the campus of the University of Massachusetts (UMASS) Medical Center in Worcester.  This accreditation is a significant achievement and indicates that the Gift of Life Cord Blood Program at UMass has met rigorous standards as defined by leading experts in the field of cord blood banking. “We are proud of this accomplishment and it speaks highly of the organization’s commitment to quality and compliance,” said Fred Fiore, CQA, Quality Assurance Manager at Gift of Life.

The AABB is one of two accrediting organizations for cord blood banks. The other is the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).  In order to receive accreditation, cord blood banks must demonstrate compliance with current standards for quality system requirements related to screening, collecting, processing, testing, storage, selection and release.  The accreditation process involves the submission of documentation to demonstrate compliance with the standards and an on-site inspection.

“We are dedicated to the highest possible standards in all our programs. Accreditation with the AABB is just the beginning,” said Jay Feinberg, Gift of Life’s Executive Director and himself the survivor of a bone marrow transplant.

Gift of Life’s Cord Blood Program is also licensed by the New York State Department of Health as a comprehensive tissue bank, and its Marrow Donor Program is accredited by the National Marrow Donor Program.

According to Ellen Harris, WHNP, Cord Blood Program Manager, “As the cord blood banking industry matures and progresses, it will become necessary for everyone in the field to meet quality standards.  Gift of Life has taken a proactive role in securing accreditation now, which is a real testament to the organization’s ongoing dedication to quality.”  She continued, “I have been honored to be a part of this program on a daily basis.  These new parents, who have just welcomed a new life into the world, are so happy to participate and it’s such a pleasure to work with them.  It means so much to be able to provide hope to so many patients through this life-saving program."

For more information about the Gift of Life Cord Blood Program, contact Nelly Stone, Director, Donor Services, at 800-9MARROW.