|
Dear Colleagues,
Once again we have the opportunity to comment on OPTN/UNOS proposals. This time it is the OPTN rewrite of policies into plain language. The proposed policies can be found on this page and the new histocompatibility policy is number 4. Unfortunately, there is no easy link to view the current UNOS standards for histocompatibility laboratories for crosswalking. The UNOS Bylaws can be found on this page and UNOS has provided this simple crosswalk to see where to find each part. Most are found in Appendix B Attachment IIA of the Bylaws.
I have been informed that some sections governing histocompatibility laboratories and their rights and responsibilities as members will be remaining in the UNOS Bylaws. The Bylaws are meant to convey what laboratories must do (personnel, policies, procedures) in order to be members. Sections remaining in the Bylaws include Quality Assurance and Testing Standards.
At this time, it is unclear what will be happening to the current section on Chimerism standards (i.e. if they will remain in the UNOS bylaws, be moved to the OPTN policies, or be eliminated). You can include suggestions regarding the status and location of all of the sections in your comments.
The ASHI National Clinical Affairs Committee, Quality Assurance and Standards Committee, and the Executive Committee will be working together to write and submit an official ASHI response. The ASHI response will be shared with you when it is completed.
We urge you to take a close look at the new policy and comment on it, as well. Remember, it is important for ASHI members to comment on these proposals because every comment, whether it comes from an individual or an organization, is counted equally.
The deadline for submission of comments is August 31, 2012.
Thank you for your continuing support of ASHI and its mission.
Sincerely,
Amy B. Hahn, PhD, D(ABHI)
President, ASHI | 
