March 27, 2008

• Accreditation means AOC exceeds national standards

• AATB accreditation is voluntary, intensive process

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Alabama Organ Center (AOC) has been awarded accreditation by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB).

The accreditation means that the level of medical, technical and administrative performance within the AOC meets or exceeds the standards set by the AATB. The accreditation is the culmination of an intensive nine-month process, including an on-site visit by a specially trained AATB inspector.

"This is a voluntary accreditation," said Dem Lalisan, director of the Alabama Organ Center. "The AOC sought AATB accreditation to demonstrate our commitment to the highest standards and highest possible level of service, both to our patients and the transplant community."

Founded in 1976, the AATB sets standards, inspects facilities and accredits tissue banks in North America. It is dedicated to ensuring that human tissues intended for transplantation are safe and free of infectious diseases, high quality and available in sufficient quantities to meet national needs. Its members include more than 1,100 individuals and 98 tissue banks.

Originally established in 1979 as the Alabama Organ Bank, the Alabama Organ Center is the only approved organ procurement organization in Alabama and serves all hospitals in the state. The AOC's mission is to provide families an opportunity to donate organs and tissues, to support these families regardless of their decision, and to promote equitable utilization of these gifts to others. In Alabama, more than 3,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant.