ABOUT TTAG

The Tissue Technical Advisory Group (TTAG) is dedicated to addressing terminology, coding, and labeling matters related to human tissues (excluding ocular and reproductive tissues).

Key objectives of TTAG include:

  • Reviewing and commenting on proposed additions or changes to the ISBT 128 Standard Terminology for Tissues.
  • Advising on the ongoing development of the ISBT 128 Information Standard to support new developments in tissue banking.
  • Developing and providing feedback on proposed changes to the ISBT 128 Information Standard.
  • Promoting the adoption of the ISBT 128 Information Standard in facilities around the world.


TTAG consists of technical experts in tissue banking and representatives appointed by professional organizations involved in the field. Additionally, the group includes liaisons from groups interested in ISBT 128, as well as observers from licensed vendors.

TTAG was established in early 2025 to bring together members from the previous three tissue advisory groups—European Tissue Technical Advisory Group (ETTAG), North America Tissue Technical Advisory Group (NATTAG), and International Tissue Technical Advisory Group (ITTAG)—into a single, unified body to enhance collaboration and support for tissue facilities worldwide.

In 2025, TTAG has convened twice, on June 20 and September 3, primarily focusing on evaluating new terminology requests to support the rapidly evolving field of tissue transplantation. The group has also begun exploring tissue traceability models from different regions around the world and identifying gaps in current practices to guide future developments.

TTAG MEMBER LIST

Chair

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Izabela Uhrynowska-Tyszkiewicz

ICCBBA Staff Liaison

Mónica Freire

Representatives

  • Martin Börgel – World Union of Tissue Banking Associations (WUTBA)
  • Jennifer DeMatteo – Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA)
  • Johan Guns – European Association of Tissue and Cell Banks (EATCB)
  • Mark Jang – Axogen Corporation (Alt.)
  • Kip Hanks – American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB)
  • Dorte Kinggaard Holm – Odense University Hospital
  • Ken Lotherington – Canadian Blood Services
  • Francisco Martínez – Asociación Latinoamericana de Bancos de Tejidos (ALABAT)
  • Eric Nagel – Solvita
  • Katie Shoemaker – Axogen Corporation
  • Debbie Stracey – Australian Tissue Donation Network (ATDN)
  • Elkin Vasquez – VIVEX Biologics
  • Rafael Villalba Montoro – Centro de Transfusión Tejidos y Células of Córdoba, Spain
  • Jannine Westby – NHS Blood and Transplant, UK

Technical Experts

  • Jelena Holovati
  • Diane Wilson

Liaisons

  • Martin FitzGerald – GS1
  • Indresh Kaur – CTCLAG

Observers

  • Geoff Browne
  • Jill Davies
  • Jeff Dragoo
  • John Kling
  • Cleopatra Ndhlovu
  • George Tziros

Join Our Mission!

Technical Advisory Group (TAG) members are experts in their fields and work toward globally consistent terminology, labeling, and use of ISBT 128 to improve patient safety.
If you are interested in contributing to the discussion, please reach out today!