October 27, 2015 
 
Contact: Tom Argyle
Public Relations
(220) 564-1564
targyle@LMHealth.org

Licking Memorial Hospital Laboratory Earns AABB Accreditation

The Licking Memorial Hospital (LMH) Laboratory recently earned AABB accreditation for transfusion services.  Accreditation follows an intensive on-site assessment performed by trained AABB assessors, and confirms that the level of technical and administrative performance within a facility meets or exceeds a set of rigorous standards.  By successfully meeting those standards, LMH joins a select group of AABB accredited facilities throughout the United States and around the world.

AABB’s accreditation program aims to improve the quality and safety of collecting, processing, distributing, and administering blood and cellular therapy products by assessing the quality of technical procedures and operational protocols in place within a given facility.  Accredited facilities are compliant with all AABB standards, the Code of Federal Regulations, and other federal documents.

“The LMH Laboratory voluntarily participates in the AABB accreditation program in order to continually assess and improve our methods,” explained Debbie Young, Vice President Patient Care Services.  “Our highly knowledgeable staff, along with carefully planned processes and procedures, allow the LMH Laboratory to earn this accreditation year after year.  The AABB accreditation program supports our mission to improve the health of the community by promoting a high level of professional and technical expertise, which fosters excellent patient care and safety.”

Since 1995, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has found that the AABB accreditation program ensures adherence to federal laws and regulations.  In addition, the program also is recognized by the International Society for Quality in Healthcare.  


Established in 1947, AABB (formerly known as the American Association of Blood Banks) is an international not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of science and the practice of transfusion medicine and related biological therapies.  The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs, and services to optimize patient and donor care and safety.


Licking Memorial Hospital has served the medical needs of Licking County residents since it was founded in 1898.  The 227-bed facility employs approximately 1,900 staff members to meet the healthcare needs of the community.  Licking Memorial Hospital is proud to have been named to Truven Health Analytics’ national list of 100 Top Hospitals a total of 12 times.  For more information, visit www.LMHealth.org.