The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) and the AATB Tissue Policy Group are excited to invite AATB members to participate in our Capitol Hill Fly-In on February 4, 2025. This is an important opportunity to engage with policymakers and advocate for the future of tissue donation.

The FDA has published its Report and Plan on Best Practices for Guidance, emphasizing improvements in drafting, communication, and public input. The report highlights lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, updates to regulations, and strategies to streamline regulatory submissions, all aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the FDA's guidance document processes.

The Advisory Committee on Blood and Tissue Safety and Availability (ACBTSA) held its 59th meeting on September 4-5, 2024. This meeting was convened to review and consider recommendations in response to the Tissue Biovigilance Gap Analysis Report, which was initiated following the first documented tuberculosis transmission in tissue transplantation. The report identifies critical opportunities to enhance safety and oversight in the tissue banking industry. This rare, tissue-focused meeting addressed key challenges in tissue banking through presentations on CDC investigations, regulatory frameworks, and product tracing during outbreaks. The committee adopted 11 recommendations proposed by the Tissue Biovigilance Subcommittees to strengthen safety practices and maintain public trust. Access the Tissue Biovigilance Gap Analysis Report, subcommittee recommendations, and the meeting summary for more insights.

AATB is accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its Grant Program, dedicated to advancing innovation and research in tissue banking. We welcome proposals exploring non-proprietary topics, including tissue recovery, allograft processing, clinical outcomes, economic analyses, and more. Researchers from academic institutions, medical centers, and the tissue industry are invited to apply for grants of up to $100,000. Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to the future of tissue banking—submit your LOI by January 16, 2025!

Thank you to everyone who completed the 2024 Member Satisfaction Survey! Your valuable feedback helps shape the future of AATB, and we truly appreciate your time and input. Congratulations to the following randomly selected participants, each of whom has won a $100 Amazon gift card.

Phys.org
Scientists have developed a new way for artificial cells to interact with external environment without complex modification.

The Scientist
The syncytiotrophoblast (STB) forms the outermost layer of placenta and works as one large multifunctional cell.

Scientific Reports
A new machine-learning method called Gaussian kernelized improved intuitionistic FCM algorithm (GKEIFCM) outperformed other commonly used techniques with accuracy just over 98%.

Angioedema News
The prevalence of rare connective tissue diseases is five to 10 times higher in people with hereditary angioedema (HAE) compared to the general population.

Technology Networks
A new study found that cells in older mice become discoordinated during the muscle repair process.

Join us on December 18, for an insightful session, “Using Texting Technology to Connect with Donor Families.” Discover how organizations are leveraging texting technology to enhance outreach and build meaningful connections with donor families. Our panel of experts will share practical insights on when and how to use this technology effectively, discuss measurable outcomes, and explore challenges and opportunities for improvement. Whether you're a tissue bank professional interested in family services or keen on adopting the latest innovations, this webinar offers valuable takeaways to enhance your approach.
Target Audience: This webinar is designed for tissue bank professionals who are interested in family services and the use of the latest technology.

Alachua, Florida: Supervises the day-to-day activities of Donor Information Associates and acts as department lead in the absence of other leadership.

Hershey, Pennsylvania: Responsible to perform complex laboratory tests on blood, body fluids, cells, and tissues.

Hershey, Pennsylvania: Responsible to perform complex laboratory tests on blood, body fluids, cells, and tissues.