Issue Date: September 17, 2026
Issued by: Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
Topic(s): Blood, Blood Products
Status: Final
Recommendations for the Development of Blood Collection, Processing, and Storage Systems for the Manufacture of Blood Components Using the Buffy Coat Method
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or Agency) is announcing the availability of a final guidance titled “Recommendations for the Development of Blood Collection, Processing, and Storage Systems for the Manufacture of Blood Components Using the Buffy Coat Method.” The guidance document provides recommendations on the development of blood collection, processing, and storage systems (e.g., blood bags with anticoagulant and additive solutions, empty bags for platelet pooling) intended for the manufacture of blood and blood components for transfusion using the buffy coat (BC) method and on regulatory submissions to FDA for such products. This guidance is intended for manufacturers of blood collection, processing, and storage systems. The guidance announced in this notice finalizes the draft guidance of the same title dated October 18, 2024.
Download the Guidance Document
