AATB Response to CDC Report: Strengthening Donor Screening for Tissue Allograft Safety

On January 5, CDC published the article titled “Second Nationwide Tuberculosis Outbreak Caused by Bone Allografts Containing Live Cells – United States, 2023” in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. In light of this publication providing more information about the transmission event of 2023, we wish to reassure our members that AATB is unwavering in its commitment to enhancing donor screening criteria to further ensure the safety of tissue allografts. Patient safety remains our top priority, and we are actively addressing potential gaps in transplant tissue safety.

As previously communicated in Bulletin 23-6, effective September 4, 2023, AATB-accredited establishments and their Medical Directors must adhere to updated donor screening requirements. We strongly urge all members to thoroughly review these criteria and ensure their implementation to strengthen tissue safety protocols.

We recognize the gravity of this situation and remain committed to fostering a culture of safety within the tissue transplant community. 

Resources
Bulletin 23-6: Requirements and Recommendations for Reducing Risk of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Transmission – August 7, 2023

Uniform Donor Risk Assessment Interview Addendum to Assist with Screening for Risk of MTB - August 7, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding AATB Bulletin 23-6 - updated August 18, 2023

Physicians Council MTB Working Group – Interim Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB) Donor Screening Requirements (Webinar Recording) - August 21, 2023
 

Media Inquiries
Please direct all media requests to Ashley Davis, AATB Director of Communications, davisa@aatb.org.