U. S. Licensed Blood Banks

Blood and plasma samples submitted by U. S. licensed blood banks to the Division of Biologics Standards from 1962 to 1970 were analyzed to determine the source and extent of errors considered exceptions to the Public Health Service Regulations. Of 4,206 samples evaluated, 34 per cent had labeling deficiencies. Deficiencies in expiration dates, blood volumes, shipping temperatures, seals, containers, contents, and pilot tubes averaged from 4.0 to 7.7 per cent for each deficiency. Errors in grouping and typing averaged 0.3 per cent. These data are presented to identify the problem areas and to alert blood banks where improvements should be made.