Preparations for the Seventh Edition NetCord-FACT International Cord Blood Standards
By: Andra Moehring, MHA, FACT Standards Development Manager
FACT is preparing for the publication of the Seventh Edition NetCord-FACT International Cord Blood Standards and we are here to help you do the same! The following upcoming events will provide information regarding changes to the Standards and how to comply:
WMDA-NetCord & FACT Cord Blood Day at 2019 Cord Blood Connect International Congress
September 12, 2019
Miami, FL
The World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and FACT are teaming up to host the pre-conference WMDA-Netcord & FACT Cord Blood Day, a workshop that incorporates sessions on trends in cord blood banking and harmonization of banking procedures, a Quality Boot Camp track, and a FACT Inspector Training Track. FACT accreditation serves as an important mechanism to maintain across-the-board uniform processes that are effective and assist with ensuring efficient bank operations.
Topics will include:
- Global perspectives of the regulation of cord blood banking,
- WMDA serious adverse events and reactions,
- Analysis of CD34+ and CD45+ cells in thawed cord blood samples,
- Analysis of cellular viability in thawed cord blood,
- Significant changes to the NetCord-FACT Seventh Edition Cord Blood Standards, and
- Essential Quality Management Principles
The afternoon offers two tracks:
WMDA-FACT Quality Boot Camp: Sessions will examine cord blood unit selection strategies and core quality management concepts including risk assessment, validation, and auditing. Come prepared with your quality-related questions to ask the quality experts facilitating the session.
FACT Inspector Training: This track provides training to new FACT cord blood inspectors on performing an inspection from start to finish. Sessions are accompanied by exercises and group discussions to practically apply lecture concepts to real-world experiences. Attendees training to be an inspector may attend the entire Cord Blood Day FREE in addition to free access to all other on-demand and in-person FACT educational events. Inspector trainees are required to attend the FACT Inspector Training track.
This is an excellent opportunity to network with the cord blood community and learn from experts in cord blood banking. We encourage banks to send multiple personnel to be able to attend both the Quality Boot Camp and nominate a member of your team to train to become a FACT inspector!
Significant Changes to the Seventh Edition NetCord-FACT Cord Blood Standards
October 23, 2019
Webinar
This presentation will be on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 11:00 am ET. Paul Eldridge, PhD, Director of Cell GMP Facility at UNC Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, will describe significant changes to the Seventh Edition NetCord-FACT Cord Blood Standards, and provide examples for effective implementation.
View meeting details and register
The Seventh Edition NetCord-FACT International Cord Blood Standards for Collection, Banking, and Release for Administration will be published on October 15, 2019 and will become effective on January 15, 2020.
