scope:

Purpose. a. The Armed Services Blood Program is a joint program operated by the Services and coordinated by the Armed Services Blood Program Office (ASBPO). The instructions contained in this manual-

(1) Provide guidance and procedures for the collecting, processing, storage, and shipment of blood for the Armed Services as directed in Department of Defense (DOD) Directive 6480.5.

(2) Provide standardization among the Services and enhance the total blood distribution system in peace and war.

(3) Describe the operations of the Blood Donor Centers (BDCs), the Armed Services Whole Blood Processing Laboratories (ASWBPLs), the Blood Transshipment Centers (BTCs), the Blood Supply Units (BSUs), and the Blood Product Depots (BPDs).

(4) Identify specific manpower requirements for ASWBPLs, BTCs, and BDCs.