JeanB

I use SCC. Our process currently is using the CBC with a different collection time. If the TS and CBC was collected at the same time, then we request another sample to be drawn. It sounds to me like you have nurses collect most specimens? Do you currently do an electronic crossmatch? This typically fulfills the requirement for the ELXM. 

If you store blood in the coolers when they get to their destination,they cannot be considered transport (if blood stays in them wherever you send them and no matter what your consideration is).  This per the FDA.  If you are CAP and/or AABB your assessor/inspector should remind you of this.

If all you are doing is thawing pre-pooled cryo and transfusing it, then you are not required to relabel the product and you only need to cross out the old expiration and hand write the new expiration date/time.  You can optionally choose to relabel the product as Thawed Pooled Cryo and bar code the new expiration date/time but this is not required.
If you are thawing individual cryo units and then pooling the thawed single units together, then you are required to relabel the product. 
Erwin Cabana

At the time of thaw, we assign the 5 day outdate (expires at 23:59, which is very nice!) and use the 'THAWED PLASMA' versions of the Product Codes (NOT the 'Thawed NNNN' version!)  I didn't see the sense of putting extra steps in the process (i.e. relabel after 24hrs).  Here are the ISBT128 Codes that we use (we are 100% FP24).  We used Hematrax for labeling ... I don't know where you'd get all these labels if you needed them.
 
We also have the policy that during an emergency (or MD can't wait), we issue whatever is already thawed according to outdate, not ABO Group.  Exception:  We do not issue Group O Plasma to non-Group O (or unknown) patients.  This helps move the inventory as well.
 
E2619PLASMA|CP2D/XX/<=-18C|Frozen<=24hE2720Thawed PLASMA|CP2D/XX/refgE2587PLASMA|CPDA-1/XX/<=-18C|Frozen<=24hE2702Thawed PLASMA|CPDA-1/XX/refgE2555PLASMA|CPD/XX/<=-18C|Frozen <=24hE2684Thawed PLASMA|CPD/XX/refgE7644Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24hE2121Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refgE7646Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|1st containerE5548Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|1st containerE7648Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|2nd containerE5549Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|2nd containerE7650Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|3rd containerE5550Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|3rd containerE7607Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/<=-18C|RT<=24h frozen<=24h|4th containerE6393Thawed Apheresis PLASMA|ACD-A/XX/refg|4th container

To this I will add, pick your battles carefully.  Make sure they are worth fighting.  If you came from outside the facility be very judicious when using the phrase, "The way we did it"!  Changing something to the way you did it else where is not necessarily a change for the better just because it makes you comfortable.  Make sure you understand your new facility's processes before trying to incorporate sweeping changes.  As I noted above, much of my advise would depend on if you came from outside or promoted from within.  This is just one golden nugget for you to consider.  

Congrats!   Become very knowledgeable in all things BB.   Read everything you can get your hands on and go to outside meetings.   Learn why we do the things we do.   Don't be afraid to change things that were always done that way.  Get to know other BB leads/supervisors in other hospitals, they are a great resource.  Don't let the staff push you around, you are not their mother or babysitter.   Know the difference between anti A and anti A1 (pet peeve of mine).  You got this!!! 

First question, were you promoted from within the organization or did you come in from the outside?  Believe it or not it can make a significant difference n how successful you will be.  I've experienced both in my career.  After I see your response I'll provide my very wise advise.  Rest assured you will find it worth every penny it will cost you.  

I would familiarize yourself with whatever regulations your lab is accredited with (AABB, CAP, TJC). That helps get you an understanding of what needs to be done and why.