Here in Canada, the CSA standard 10.10.5 states:
CSA 10.10.5
A blood component that has been returned to the blood centre or transfusion service shall not be rereleased unless
a) for red blood cells, there is at least one remaining sealed segment of integral donor tubing attached to the blood bag or available to the transfusing site. Previously removed segments may be used after confirming that the tubing identification numbers on both the removed segment(s) and the blood bag are identical;
b) there is documentation to
a. indicate it is being re-released; and
b. confirm that it has been visually inspected before release;
c) a suitable temperature-monitoring system indicates that the blood component has not reached an unacceptable temperature since being released or, in the absence of a temperature-monitoring system, that the blood component has not been outside of a controlled environment for more than 60 min (measured per occurrence, not cumulatively); and
d) the blood bag closure is undisturbed.
I know that isn't necessarily helpful for you currently, but this was new in the last revision. Perhaps changes coming soon to other countries?
sandra