ACCREDITATION & LICENSES

The highest level standard setting body for tissue banks in the nation is the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) established in 1977. To be accredited by the AATB the tissue bank must submit to comprehensive on-site inspections. These inspections are designed to assure that the bank is professionally managed, appropriately staffed and has put in place policies and procedures to provide consistent quality care

To date only a few gamete banks in the nation have been inspected by the AATB. All 3 California Cryobank Reproductive banks are accredited by the AATB. Some sperm banks who have not been inspected claim they "meet" or "exceed" AATB standards. The only way to confirm that a sperm bank meets AATB standards is through the inspection and accreditation process.

When choosing a semen bank, the California Cryobank suggests selecting a semen bank that:

1. Has been inspected and is currently accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks
   The American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB) is a scientific, non-profit, peer group organization to facilitate the provision of transplantable tissues, including sperm. The Association publishes Standards to ensure that the conduct of the tissue bank meets acceptable norms. The Association also carries out programs of Inspection, Accreditation of tissue banks and Certification of tissue bank personnel to ensure that tissue banking activities are being performed in a professional manner consistent with the Standards of the Association.

   All California Cryobank laboratories are accredited by the AATB:

   • Los Angeles Accreditation # 00014/6
   • Palo Alto Accreditation # 00070/5
   • Cambridge Accreditation # 00096/4
2. Has been inspected and is currently licensed by the states regulating tissue banks
   Most states do not regulate semen banks. New York and California are among the states that do regulate tissue banks. In fact, New York's standards are the most stringent in the industry.

   Licensed by the California State Department of Health

   • Los Angeles Tissue Bank-Gayley ID# CNC 80007
   • Los Angeles Tissue Bank-La Grange ID# CNC80474
   • La Grange Clinical Laboratory License # CLF11085
   • Palo Alto Tissue Bank ID# CNC80009
   • Cambridge Tissue Bank ID# CNC80305

   Licensed by the New York State Department of Health

   • La Grange Tissue Bank ID# GA007
   • Gayley Tissue Bank ID# GA133
   • Palo Alto Tissue Bank ID# GA040
   • Cambridge Tissue Bank ID# GA045

   Licensed by the Massachusetts State Department of Health

   • Cambridge Clinical Laboratory License

   Licensed by the Maryland State Department of Health

   • Los Angeles Laboratory Permit #698
   • Los Angeles Tissue Bank Permit #TB698
3. Has been inspected and is currently certified by CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment of 1988).
   The CLIA regulations established by the US Department of Health and Human Services establish standards that apply to almost all laboratory testing of human semen specimens, laboratory personnel, quality control and quality assurance.
   • Los Angeles CLIA ID# 05D0542313
   • Cambridge CLIA ID# 22D0893816
4. In full compliance with all relevant FDA regulatory requirements.
   • Los Angeles-Gayley FDA ID# 1000519667
   • Los Angeles-La Grange FDA ID# 3005342355
   • Palo Alto FDA ID# 3003351041
   • Cambridge FDA ID# 3003367577
   • Cedars-Sinai FDA ID# 2073862
   • Blood Systems, Inc. FDA ID# 2077975