EFLM Task and Finish Group for Standardization of the colour coding for blood collection tube closures (EFLM TFG-STCC)
The EFLM TFG-STCC was established in June 2015, with the aim to initiate and manage a dialog between interested parties in order to achieve the global harmonization of the color coding for blood collection tube closures (caps) and labels.
The TFG-STCC has recently started a close collaboration with the ISO TC76/WG1 on ‘Transfusion, infusion and injection, and blood processing equipment for medical and pharmaceutical use’, which is currently working on the revision of the ISO 6710 standard: ‘Single-use containers for venous blood specimen collection’. This revision of ISO 6710 would also replace the current European standard EN 14820. TFG-STCC and ISO TC76/WG1 have agreed to include (as an Informative Annex) a colour code based on the Swedish standard (see the attached file) in the new incoming version of the ISO 6710. This is already a first encouraging result.
Swedish standard is defined by the additive in the tube rather than its intended use and has been already successfully implemented in Sweden. This is why we believe it is a good starting point for this project. Final colour coding to be included in the ISO standard is yet to be specified by the Swedish experts and agreed by all ISO TC76/WG members before summer.
As we are aware that some barriers and obstacles could put this important project at risk of full implementation, we have decided to set up this short survey in order to gather some feedback from laboratory professionals on the importance and acceptance of such a colour code.
The main aim of the survey is to learn whether EFLM National Societies would be willing to accept an EFLM proposal for the colour coding of the blood tube caps as the European standard. Moreover, if there are institutions, laboratories or individuals which are not in favor of such standardization we would be very interested to understand possible reasons for this.
The results of this survey will provide us an overview of the opportunities and potential barriers for this project.
On behalf of EFLM TFG-STCC, I therefore encourage you to send us your opinion. Tell us what you think and help us to reach the project outcomes. Your feedback is very important to us as it will guide us in our efforts to identify the best solution for all stakeholders.
The deadline to fill in this questionnaire is 25 April, 2016.
You may access the questionnaire here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TFG-STCC
