Blood products FAQ

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• What accreditations and licensures does Memorial Blood Centers hold?

  Memorial Blood Centers is FDA licensed and compliant with European Union (EU) standards for blood manufacturing and testing, and holds a number of licenses and Certificates of Accreditation, including many state-specific licenses.

• Which hospitals does Memorial Blood Centers serve?

  As an independent, nonprofit and mission-driven organization, with a 60-year legacy of saving lives in our community, we are proud to be the primary provider of life-saving blood to over 30 Hospital Partners throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin, including two out of the Metro area’s three Level 1 Trauma Centers.

• Do you work with other hospitals or healthcare organizations outside of Minnesota and Wisconsin?

  Yes. We also provide blood and blood components to other blood centers and healthcare-related organizations throughout the nation and, when called upon, to U.S. military agencies during times of need. In addition, Memorial Blood Centers provides state-of-the-art laboratory and testing services, and biomedical expertise to confirmatory labs, national blood center clients such as the Mayo Clinic, reproductive clinics, research institutes, biotechnology companies, and international clients, from Australia to Switzerland.

• How can I find out about upcoming Technical Advisory Meetings sponsored by Memorial Blood Centers or AABB audio conferences available?

  A Current Schedule of upcoming meetings and AABB-sponsored events is available. For additional information or if you have questions, please contact a member of Hospital Services:

  • (Metro) 651-332-7108 
  • (Northland) 218-740-1520

• How can I get copies of the most up-to-date forms to file reports or place an order?

  Copies of many of the forms you will need to file a report or fax an order are readily available in this section of the web site to view and download. Visit the Related Forms & Docs section for a full listing. If you have questions or cannot locate a specific form, contact Hospital Services:

  • (Metro) 651-332-7108
  • (Northland) 218-740-1520

• How can I check on the status of an order I previously placed?

  Log into your account through the Hospital Portal and click on “Check Order Status” in the left navigation bar to verify the status of any outstanding orders you have placed. You can change an order that has yet to be shipped, place a new order, and perform other administrative functions from your account home page.

• What if I need to make a return of blood product or components?

  All returns must be accompanied by a Record of Return Transfer form. The Hospital Resource Guide provides additional requirements for returning specific components. Please refer to policies for handling, storage, and return guidelines detailed in the Guide.

• Can all products and services supplied by Memorial Blood Centers be ordered online?

  At this time, blood products and antigen type units provided through Hospital Services can be ordered online using the Hospital Portal featured on this web site. For all testing and research services, HPC products, and other blood components, including those provided through our Immunohemotology Reference Lab (IRL) and the Research Department, please refer to other sections of this website for ordering and contact information.

• How quickly will my order arrive?

  Once the component(s) you have ordered become available, routine orders are sent with the next scheduled delivery to your facility, or in less than 24 hours; STAT orders ship in one hour; ASAP orders ship in less than four hours. All orders can be placed through the Hospital Portal. STAT and ASAP orders can be placed by phone, and confirmed online or via fax to 651-332-7004.

• Who do I contact to find out more about how Memorial Blood Centers could provide products and services to my organization?

  For information about how Memorial Blood Centers can meet the needs of your hospital or clinic for blood products and testing services, please contact:

  • Tania McVean, Hospital Relations, 218-740-1515
  • Judy Petersen, Vice President, Technical Operations, 651-332-7283

• Are there additional resources online that provide more information about Memorial Blood Centers’ policies and procedures?

  Detailed information on product ordering, transportation and delivery, how to handle returns and the transfer of units, guidelines for storage of blood and blood components, and much more is contained in our Hospital Resource Guide.

• How can I get help placing an order?

  If you are having difficulty placing a routine order through the Hospital Portal login, a member of the Hospital Services Department can help you navigate the safe and secure online ordering process:

  • (Metro) 651-332-7108
  • (Northland) 218-740-1520 or
  • Jennifer White, Hospital Services and Lab Relations Manager, 651-332-7109

• Who can I contact to verify product or supply availability?

  Contact us by phone and a member of our Hospital Services staff can check inventory availability and let you know how quickly your order can be filled and shipped. 

  • (Metro) 651-332-7108
  • (Northland) 218-740-1520 or
  • Jennifer White, Hospital Services and Lab Relations Manager, 651-332-7109

• Where can I get help with questions about reimbursement?

  Memorial Blood Centers distributes to our clients up-to-date reimbursement information provided by the Blood Centers of America Newsletter, as it is made available to us. Our Hospital Resource Guide also contains information on specific product codes.