LESSON 3
THEATER BLOOD OPERATIONS AND BLOOD BANK OPERATIONAL REPORT
Section I. THEATER BLOOD OPERATIONS
3-1. ARMED SERVICE BLOOD PROGRAM
a. Armed Service Blood Program (ASBP) provides transfusion products, when
required, to members of the U.S. armed forces worldwide. Triservice cooperative
efforts of the U.S. Army (USA), U.S. Navy (USN), and U.S. Air Force (USAF) enable
blood and blood products to be collected, processed, and shipped to military medical
treatment facilities (MTFs) throughout the world. Planning for effective management of
blood and blood products is a continuing, dynamic process requiring a coordinated
highly responsive system that extends from the battlefield to CONUS. The system will
ensure viable blood products are available for transfusion when and where required.
The Armed Service Blood Program is coordinated by the Armed Services Blood
Program Office (ASBPO).
b. ASBP services in the Theater of Operations (TO) include:
(1) Receiving liquid blood and blood products from CONUS.
(2) Moving, storing, processing, and distributing prepositioned frozen blood
products.
(3) Collecting and processing liquid blood on an emergency basis.
3-2. ARMED SERVICE BLOOD PROGRAM OFFICE (ASBPO)
a. ASBPO is a Joint Service program established in 1953.
b. ASBPO coordinates the provision of blood products throughout the Services to
meet medical requirements during national emergencies, or for overseas military
operations. It is under the policy guidance of Assistant Secretary of Defense (Health
Affairs).
c. ASBPO is organized to coordinate and monitor the blood programs of the
Army, Navy, USAF, and unified and specified commands. The ASBPO coordinates
standardized policies and procedures for collection of blood and operation of the
Services blood programs. The ASBPO performs as the DOD liaison with other federal,
civilian, and allied agencies concerning blood-related matters.
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