Blood transfusion in Europe : a "white paper"

Blood transfusion is a subject which is capable of stirring up popular opinion.

A "sensitive" product which evokes a highly emotional reaction, blood is one of the major preoccupations of a public which is beginning to question the action of giving blood and the safety of those receiving it.

This white paper analyzes the systems of collection and use of blood throughout Europe explaining in layman's terms the current situation.

Levels and reliability of current stocks of blood and blood products are discussed and quality assurance procedures evaluated.

Finally future obstacles to progress are examined.