FACT Accreditation: Meeting Growing Demand and Expanding Access
By Sarah Litel-Smith, BSMT (ASCP)
As the field of cellular therapy and cord blood banking continues to advance, the demand for accreditation by FACT has never been greater. Clinical programs, collection and processing facilities, and cord blood banks worldwide recognize the value of FACT accreditation in ensuring high-quality patient care, adhering to rigorous consensus standards, and promoting continuous improvement. The increasing demand reflects a commitment to quality and an understanding that FACT accreditation is not only beneficial but also accessible and attainable for organizations of all sizes and structures.
The volume of initial FACT applicants continues to grow, demonstrating an ongoing trend of institutions seeking accreditation for the first time. The most recent data reflects 48 initial accreditation applicants: 5 Cord Blood Banks, 25 clinical hematopoietic cell transplantation programs (many who also provide immune effector cell therapy), 3 clinical immune effector cell programs, and 15 service providers (collection and/or processing facilities accredited independently of a clinical program).
FACT accreditation is not exclusive to large, academic institutions. Many smaller, outpatient-based programs are successfully achieving accreditation, demonstrating that facilities of all sizes can meet these internationally recognized quality standards. FACT provides extensive resources, educational materials, and expert guidance to help organizations navigate the accreditation process efficiently. Each applicant is assigned an Accreditation Coordinator for ongoing assistance throughout the accreditation process.
Organizations, regardless of structure, benefit from FACT accreditation through enhanced patient care; standardized quality practices; and increased credibility among patients, donors, and stakeholders. Accreditation also streamlines audits and inspections, reinforces a commitment to quality, and fosters collaboration with other accredited institutions. A full list of accredited programs is available at www.factglobal.org/accredited-programs.
As accredited programs continue to expand, FACT remains committed to supporting organizations in ensuring that high-quality cellular therapy and cord blood banking services are accessible to patients worldwide. Whether your program is a large academic center or a small community-based facility, FACT accreditation is within reach, providing measurable benefits for both providers and patients alike.
