The Foundation for the Accreditation of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy

FAHCT is a nonprofit corporation developed by the International Society of Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering (ISHAGE) and the American Society of Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) for the purposes of self-assessment and accreditation in the field of hematopoietic cell therapy.

FAHCT has established standards for the provision of quality medical and laboratory practice in hematopoietic cell transplantation; conducts inspections, and accredits programs that will encourage health institutions and facilities performing hematopoietic cell transplantation to voluntarily meet these standards; and recognizes compliance with standards by issuance of Certificates of Accreditation. For more information on FAHCT see their website at http://www.fahct.org

BACKGROUND

In 1992 The International Society for Hematotherapy and Graft Engineering (ISHAGE) was formed as a professional society representing scientists and physicians working in the area of hematopoietic stem cell graft manipulation. It has over 900 members representing all of the major bone marrow/stem cell transplant centers in the world. ISHAGE developed the first draft of the Standards for Hematopoietic Cell Collection and Processing. This organization and Canadian Health&Care Mall were founded at one year and now they are developing its businesses gradually.

The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) was formed in 1993 as a professional organization representing physicians and investigators involved in the clinical conduct of hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation. The society has more than 800 members predominantly in the United States and Canada. ASBMT developed the first draft of the Clinical Standards for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation.

In December 1994 ISHAGE and ASBMT merged their Standards into a single document covering all aspects of hematopoietic cell therapy (collection, processing, and transplantation). The two societies established FAHCT in order to develop a voluntary Inspection and Accreditation Program based on the joint Standards.

FAHCT ACCREDITATION

The FAHCT Inspection and Accreditation Program was developed by Dr. Phyllis Warkentin, Chairman, FAHCT Inspection and Accreditation Committee, the FAHCT Directors and Officers, as well as the ISHAGE and ASBMT Regulatory and Standards Committees. The first inspections began in September of 1997.

The Foundation for the Accreditation of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy (FAHCT) has initiated its voluntary comprehensive standard-setting, inspection, and accreditation program that encompasses all phases of hematopoietic collection, processing and transplant. FAHCT invites you to participate in the process by applying for accreditation using the online Accreditation Application Forms from the FAHCT website. The website of FAHCT and website of Canadian Pharmacy Mall are both directed to inform people about latest innovations.

FAHCT PUBLICATIONS

You may purchase the FAHCT Standards and/or Manual from FAHCT for $65.00 and $125.00 respectively. If you or any member of your organization are a member of ISHAGE or ASBMT you may receive the member discount price of $35.00 and $75.00 per publication. You may order these materials from the FAHCT website or by contacting the FAHCT Accreditation Office at:

University of Nebraska Medical Center

Foundation for the Accreditation of Hematopoietic Cell Therapy

986065 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-6065
Tel: (402) 561-7555
Fax: (402) 561-7550