International Board of Blood Management

The American Society of ExtraCorporeal Technology (AmSECT) is pleased to announce the establishment of a certifying agency for the recognition of individuals performing autotransfusion as part of a comprehensive blood management program.

The International Board of Blood Management (IBBM) has the mission of promoting education and sound scientific principles to advance the safe and competent practice of perioperative blood management. The IBBM was designed to provide a process to formally recognize individuals who administer blood management services with primary emphasis on autotransfusion. The recognition will occur following the successful completion of requirements listed on the IBBM website (Intbbm.org). The requirements will include completion of an application for certification and the successful completion of an examination on blood management subject matter including autotransfusion techniques. Recertification will be conducted on a yearly basis and include a clinical activity requirement. Successful completion of all requirements for certification will result in certification by the IBBM of the successful applicant as a Perioperative Blood Management Technologist (PBMT). The PBMT is an individual who is currently providing the service of autotransfusion as a component of a blood conservation program. The individual will be knowledgeable in the techniques of autotransfusion as well as blood management subject matter which will include hematology, physiology, mechanical sciences and regulatory mandates by national and federal organizations.

The inaugural examination will be held on April 8, 2008 at AmSECT's 46th International Conference at the Hilton Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, FL. The examination will follow a special symposium on Autotransfusion which will be conducted in the morning prior to the exam. Additional information can be found at the IBBM website or by contacting the National Office at 570-764-7727 or via e-mail at info@intbbm.org.