A uniform labeling system for bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cells

The separation of bone marrow (BM) constituents, BM cell purging, and cryopreservation of BM and peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) are frequently performed in the clinical laboratories. In 1991, recognizing the increasing involvement of transfusion services in BM and PBSC processing, the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) established standards that, in general, held BM and PBSC processing to the same standards as applied to blood components. In 1993, the AABB defined the information that was required on the container label, but did not establish a uniform system of labeling for BM/PBSC preparations. We present a system of labeling for definitive identification of allogeneic BM and autologous BM/PBSC collections that identifies all components derived from the original product from the time of collection to final infusion or disposal. This system avoids the risk of component misidentification, particularly when multiple collections are processed simultaneously. Our transfusion service computer system was adapted with BM/PBSC component names and abbreviated codes to provide a singular validated mechanism for labeling, tracking, and final disposition of these products. We propose the adaptation of a "universal system" for BM/PBSC labeling for AABB accredited transfusion services utilizing the existing guidelines for labeling of blood and blood components.