On January 5, CDC published the article titled “Second Nationwide Tuberculosis Outbreak Caused by Bone Allografts Containing Live Cells – United States, 2023” in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. In light of this publication providing more information about the transmission event of 2023, we wish to reassure our members that AATB is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing donor screening criteria to further ensure the safety of tissue allografts.

Announced via Federal Register Volume 88, Number 248, dated December 28, 2023, FDA issued a draft guidance related to cellular and gene therapy products to provide recommendations grounded in quality risk management to help assure the potency of human cellular therapy or gene therapy products at all stages of the product lifecycle. Comments on the draft guidance are due March 27, 2024.

AATB is pleased to announce the first draft of the 15th edition of Standards for Tissue Banking. As the initial product of AATB's Standards Rebuild Project, this draft represents a restructured Standards designed to be streamlined and more user-friendly.

Accessible to all, the 2024 Webinar Series offers 30+ live sessions and 160 on-demand programs at a nominal cost. Plus, exciting news: new this year, all AATB-accredited institutions will receive a complimentary group subscription to the webinar series as part of their institutional benefit. Accredited bank employees, your exclusive discount code was emailed to your MwER last week. Secure your spot now for a year of unparalleled learning!

Boise State News
The work of Boise State University's Mone’t Sawyer pioneers 3D bioscaffold research, offering potential for personalized solutions in tissue repair.

BMC Public Health
Higher infection rates of community-acquired Staphylococcus aureus (CA-Sa) were observed in rural and mountainous areas, with associated factors including high poverty rates and healthcare shortage designation. The findings suggest a shift in CA-Sa SSTI patterns, warranting further exploration in different regions.

Cureus
A new case study suggests patients with axillary accessory breast tissue should consider surgery to remove the breasts. The procedure is relatively safe and can eliminate potential malignancy.

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
A study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis identifies a critical communication pathway between the brain and fat tissue in mice, crucial for energy production throughout the body. Manipulating this pathway in aged mice increased physical activity, delayed aging, and extended lifespan.

Gastroenterology & Endoscopy News
In a trial comparing dual action tissue clip (DAT) and tack/suture device X-Tack for closing gastric mucosa defects, DAT is faster and cost-effective, while X-Tack is more effective for duodenal defects, offering valuable options in advanced endoscopy.

Please join us for an insightful webinar that will provide an update on the AATB Standards Rebuild Project and discuss the transition to the 15th edition. The webinar will feature a live Q&A session, offering an opportunity for participants to engage directly with our team.  

Join us on January 17 for “Non-Transplant Donations are Life-Saving, Too!” In this webinar, we will discover the extraordinary impact of non-transplant anatomical donations and learn how these donations play a crucial role in training future clinicians, preventing surgical errors, and shaping the expertise of transplant recovery teams and physicians performing life-saving operations. Reserve your spot today! Target Audience: This webinar is designed for experienced family services professionals practicing and NADO professionals.

Discover the art of navigating tissue donation conversations with multilingual families in our upcoming webinar, "Working with Multilingual Families in Tissue Donation," on January 24. Uncover strategies for professionals to gather accurate information and provide optimal care. Learn essential practices with translators, interpreters, and other key considerations for fostering respectful relationships. Don't miss out—reserve your spot today to enhance your skills in meaningful communication. Target Audience: This webinar is designed for tissue bank professionals learning the foundations of tissue banking and experienced tissue bank specialists working with families.

Richmond, Virginia: The Director of Hospital Development will plan, direct, and manage programs and resources allotted to promote and increase the number of donors within the LifeNet Health Donation Service Area (DSA).

San Antonio, Texas: Develop and implement a comprehensive Tissue Acquisition Program strategy in alignment with company goals and industry best practices. Refine existing processes and develop new ones for receiving and inventory management of donor tissues.

San Antonio, Texas: Direct and supervise the Operations team while maintaining an environment which attracts, retains, and motivates qualified staff, Collaborate with Research and Development to translate product ideas and improvements into producible designs.