My facility has been saving the Shipping Record/Packing List for blood products received from the blood centers for years! I don't see that there is a requirement to retain these records as the products received are entered in the computer system and includes all the information on when and by whom it was received, shipped condition, visual inspection, etc.

Does anyone else retain these records, and if so for how long?

Thanks!

I've used them more for billing reconciliation and for troubleshooting inventory discrepancies. I can't think of any mandated retention requirements, other than your own SOP.

I keep between 2-3 years worth and the only reason I keep them that long is because the previous supervisor told me she has had issues in the past when they were needed, although I'm not sure what exactly those issues were. It's probably overkill, because they are maintained in the LIS, and I know of no certain requirement for them to retained.

Wow, we have been keeping them indefinitely! I'll have to check into this!