AABB Launches New Tools for Spanish Speaking Professionals

As the number of hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) programs in Latin America grows, more capacity is needed in cell processing laboratories, and many professionals in this geographic region find themselves facing numerous challenges amid a shortage of resources, mentors and coaches. Where does one find a sample validation plan? What standardized protocols are required for patient care? What exactly does a quality officer do and how do we find one within our limited pool of trained personnel? Professionals that speak Spanish as their first language may be less comfortable discussing complex or technical topics in English.

The AABB Center for Cellular Therapies is launching a new membership benefit for Spanish-speaking individuals who are interested in cellular therapies (CT) including cord blood banking.

The Spanish Language Subsection will offer members the opportunity to network with other Spanish-speaking professionals throughout the world. Like other CT subsections, the group will meet virtually on a monthly basis by web and conference call to discuss scientific topics, participate in journal clubs, and develop resources for cell-processing programs in Spanish-speaking regions. The group will also work with members that are developing HSCT programs in Spanish-speaking regions to help mentor them.

Projects that other AABB CT Subsections have developed include validation plans, reviews of environmental monitoring best practices and practical tips, and basic principles of flow cytometry. Presentations have included preparing for clinical trials, the challenges of working in a desert region, implementation of ISBT 128, and optimizing mobilization regimens. The specific presentation topics and projects that develop in each subsection tend to focus on the theme of that group. For example, one of the existing AABB subsections focuses exclusively on cord blood related topics.

Participation in the new Spanish Language Subsection is open to all AABB individual members. Click here to join. For individuals that reside in a country where the economic conditions have been designated as a low or medium human development index, AABB offers an Emerging Economy E-Membership option that reduces the financial burden of joining AABB.

AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in the fields of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies. The association is committed to improving health through the development and delivery of standards, accreditation, and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety. AABB membership includes physicians, nurses, scientists, researchers, administrators, medical technologists and other health care providers.

AABB has been setting standards in cord blood banking for well over 20 years and accredits more cord blood banks than any other organization. AABB members are located in more than 80 countries and AABB accredits institutions in over 50 countries.