Canada Healthcare

CSA Z902 Blood and Blood Components

CSA Z902 is the Canadian standard for blood and blood components, establishing requirements for collection, testing, processing, storage, and distribution. ATEK's monitoring solutions help blood banks and transfusion services maintain the strict temperature control required to ensure blood product safety.

Authority: Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group)

Why Choose ATEK for CSA Z902 Compliance

Protect Blood Products

Continuous monitoring ensures blood components remain within safe temperature ranges at all times.

Meet Health Canada Requirements

Our monitoring solutions support compliance with Health Canada's blood safety regulations.

Reduce Wastage

Early warning alerts allow intervention before temperature excursions cause product loss.

Ensure Patient Safety

Properly stored blood products mean safer transfusions and better patient outcomes.

CSA Z902 Requirements

Key compliance requirements and how ATEK addresses each one.

Requirement Description ATEK Solution
8.4.1
Storage Temperature Requirements
Blood and blood components must be stored at temperatures specified for each component type.
Precision Temperature Sensors
NIST-traceable sensors accurate to +/-0.5C ensure blood products are stored at exact required temperatures.
8.4.2
Temperature Monitoring
Storage equipment must have continuous temperature monitoring with audible and visual alarms.
24/7 Continuous Monitoring
Real-time monitoring with multi-channel alerting via SMS, email, and phone calls ensures immediate notification.
8.4.3
Temperature Recording
Temperature must be recorded at least every 4 hours, or continuously with electronic monitoring systems.
Automated Data Logging
Continuous electronic recording exceeds the 4-hour requirement, providing complete temperature history.
8.4.4
Alarm Systems
Alarms must be set to activate before temperatures reach unacceptable limits.
Configurable Alert Thresholds
Set warning alerts before critical limits are reached, allowing proactive intervention.
8.5
Equipment Qualification
Storage equipment must be qualified to demonstrate uniform temperature distribution.
Temperature Mapping Services
ATEK's mapping services document temperature distribution to qualify storage equipment.
9.2
Quality Management
A quality management system must be in place to ensure blood safety and traceability.
Quality Documentation
Automated reports and audit trails support your quality management system requirements.
10.3
Records and Documentation
Records must be maintained to ensure traceability of all blood components.
Complete Traceability
Every temperature reading is logged with timestamp, location, and equipment ID for full traceability.

Understanding CSA Z902

CSA Z902 is the cornerstone of blood safety in Canada, providing comprehensive requirements for all organizations involved in blood collection, processing, storage, and transfusion. The standard is referenced by Health Canada and is essential for blood establishment licensing.

Temperature Requirements by Component

Each blood component has specific storage requirements:

ComponentTemperatureStorage Duration
Whole Blood1-6CUp to 21 days (CPD)
Red Blood Cells1-6CUp to 42 days (with additive solution)
Platelets20-24C with agitation5-7 days (7 days with bacterial testing)
Fresh Frozen Plasma-18C or colderUp to 1 year
Cryoprecipitate-18C or colderUp to 1 year

Monitoring Requirements

CSA Z902 Section 8.4 establishes clear requirements for temperature monitoring:

  • Continuous monitoring with alarms
  • Recording at minimum 4-hour intervals
  • Alarm activation before critical limits
  • Documentation and traceability

How ATEK Supports Blood Bank Compliance

ATEK’s monitoring platform is purpose-built for the critical requirements of blood storage facilities.

24/7 Protection

Our system never sleeps:

  • Continuous temperature monitoring
  • Multi-channel alert escalation
  • Battery backup for power failures
  • Redundant data transmission

Complete Documentation

Every aspect of your temperature management is documented:

  • Continuous temperature logs
  • Alarm acknowledgment records
  • Corrective action documentation
  • Equipment calibration tracking

Temperature Mapping

ATEK’s professional services include temperature mapping to qualify your storage equipment and identify optimal sensor placement.

CSA Z902 FAQs

What is CSA Z902?

CSA Z902 is a Canadian national standard that establishes requirements for blood and blood components. It covers all aspects of blood banking from donor selection through transfusion, including specific requirements for storage temperatures and monitoring.

What temperature must blood products be stored at?

Whole blood and red blood cells must be stored at 1-6C. Red blood cells stored with additive solution can last up to 42 days, while those with CPD alone last 21 days. Platelets are stored at 20-24C with agitation for 5-7 days (7 days requires bacterial testing mitigation). Fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate require storage at -18C or colder. Each component has specific requirements that must be continuously monitored.

How does ATEK help with CSA Z902 compliance?

ATEK provides continuous temperature monitoring with automated logging that exceeds CSA Z902 requirements. Our system alerts staff immediately when temperatures approach limits, helping prevent product loss and ensuring patient safety.

Is continuous monitoring required by CSA Z902?

CSA Z902 requires temperature recording at least every 4 hours, but continuous electronic monitoring is preferred and provides better protection. ATEK's continuous monitoring exceeds minimum requirements and provides complete temperature history.

What happens during a power outage?

ATEK transmitters have battery backup and continue monitoring during power outages. The system immediately alerts staff to power failures, and all data is preserved and transmitted once connectivity is restored.

Can ATEK monitor blood transport?

Yes, ATEK offers portable monitoring solutions for blood transport that maintain continuous temperature logging and can alert staff if temperatures deviate during transit.

Need Help with CSA Z902 Compliance?

Our team of compliance experts can help you implement monitoring solutions that meet CSA Z902 requirements. Contact us for a consultation or demo.

Customized compliance assessment for your facility

Validation documentation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ)

Expert support for audits and inspections

Speak with a Compliance Expert

Our team is available to discuss your specific CSA Z902 compliance requirements.

compliance@atek.io

Get in Touch

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