Canadian Standards Association Is Embarking Upon An Exciting Initiative

The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) is embarking upon an exciting initiative to develop management standards related to the safety of blood and blood components. This is building on the work of the Health Canada Expert Working Group (EWG), which developed a very comprehensive document in this area. Lorna Stevens attended over 20 meetings as an EWG member and has now joined the CSA Technical Committee on Blood and Blood Components as a voting member.

CSA is an independent, not-for-profit organization and its committees are comprised of volunteer members. CSA has been involved in standards development for over 80 years, and has a well-established program for health care standards. The purpose of this initiative, sponsored by Health Canada, is to develop the EWG’s Draft Standards for Blood Safety into a National Standard of Canada. As a National Standard, the document will provide a commonly accepted set of rules for the management of blood and blood components, which can be referenced in legislation.

Dr. Gilles Delage, who led the EWG as it developed the Draft Standard, is the Chair for the Technical Committee (TC).

The Draft "Safety Of Blood And Blood Components" Is Still Under Development And Subject To Change.

It Has Gone Out For Public Review For The Second Time.

Other Canadian Blood
Services Links:

Canadian Blood Services - Board of Directors

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Is Embarking Upon An Exciting Initiative

Patient Notification System Announcement: New System For Plasma Product Recall Information

National Liason Committee Meeting - Feb. 3, 2003

National Liason Committee Letter - Mar. 14, 2003

National Liason Committee Meeting - Oct. 28, 2003