Skokie, IL-Rush North Shore Medical Center’s Clinical Laboratories received commendation and full reaccreditation from  the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB)for its high quality and professional blood bank operation. The recognition came as part of an on-site inspection done recently at Rush North Shore Medical Center, 9600 Gross Point Road, Skokie, required to maintain accreditation.

The AABB is the leader in development of standards for voluntary compliance in blood banks and transfusion services. Standards are based on good medical practice, scientific data and quality assurance consistent with FDA regulations.

“The inspection is very thorough. All the steps in the process, from the collection of the blood from the patient to transfusion to the recipient, are evaluated in detail, says Margaret Langguth, Administrative Director of the Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratories at Rush North Shore Medical Center.

The AABB accreditation program strives to improve the quality and safety of blood and blood products. Standards set by AABB accreditation not only reflect the level of professional proficiency for blood banks and transfusion services in the United States, but also provide the basis for practice in similar facilities internationally.

“It takes a lot of hard work and commitment to be accredited. At Rush North Shore patients can be assured that blood and blood components they may receive during hospitalization have met all the standards and requirements,” remarks Langguth.

For further information on Rush North Shore Medical Center, please call the Physician Referral Line at 847-933-6000