Cryo-Save Arabia Becomes Middle East’s First Accredited Cord Blood Bank

Dubai-UAE: 23 November, 2009 – Cryo-Save Arabia, the region’s leading provider of umbilical cord blood stem cell processing and storage company, today announced it has become the region’s first Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank to be accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB).

Based at Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), a member of TECOM Investments, Cryo-Save Arabia has received an official notification from AABB for satisfactorily meeting all requirements during an intensive on-site inspection conducted by specially trained AABB assessors.

The AABB inspection establishes that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the Cryo-Save Arabia facility meets the standards set by AABB. Its on-site audits extend to areas of cell processing, cryo-preservation records, document control, inspection and testing, training of lab technicians, sample identification and traceability, and verification of cord blood units when released from storage.

Sarah Al-Hajali, Executive Manager, Cryo-Save Arabia, said:
Cryo-Save Arabia has now been officially recognized for the quality of service provided to our customers. Achieving such a prestigious accreditation is an extremely important validation of our processing methods. It is an important minimum baseline for expectant parents comparing cord blood banks.

The AABB is recognized around the world for its commitment to outstanding quality. Cryo-Save Arabia is proud to be recognized for our high service standards and we pledge to continue offering excellent service to all customers.
Established in 1947, the AABB demands the highest quality standards from accredited facilities and performs on-site audits every two years. The AABB Accreditation Programme strives to improve the quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and blood products.

AABB accreditation is the recognition of choice for blood banking, transfusion medicine, blood management and cellular therapies as it demonstrates an organization’s commitment to advanced learning, continuous improvement and innovation by striving to sustain the highest possible level of patient and donor care.

AABB-accredited organizations are recognized by their peers as leaders in their field and as pivotal voices in the dialogue through which consensus-based, voluntary standards are developed and implemented.