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The AATB is dedicated to ensuring that human tissues intended for transplantation are safe and free of infectious disease, of uniform high quality, and available in quantities sufficient to meet national needs. To fulfill that mission, since 1984, the AATB has published the only authoritative industry standards for tissue banks, the AATB's Standards for Tissue Banking. Beginning in 1986, the AATB initiated a mandatory Accreditation Program for its institutional members to ensure that tissue-banking activities are performed in a professional manner in compliance with these Standards. In 1988, the Association began a certification program for individuals working in tissue banking. The Association sponsors meetings, seminars and workshops for the exchange of scientific information. In its efforts to help maintain tissue banking at the highest level of quality, AATB maintains close liaison with officials of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In addition, AATB supports promotional and educational programs for the purpose of stimulating increased tissue donation, and the Association encourages efficiency and professionalism of tissue banking worldwide. The Association maintains on-going cooperative programs with other professional organizations nationally and internationally to keep its members abreast of the latest medical applications of preserved allografts and to assess clinical efficacy. AATB continually works to expand existing programs and to develop new programs in areas of interest. The Association thus serves as a source of information and advice to individuals and organizations wishing to establish or expand tissue banking.