EDQM Guide 16th Edition 2010

The use of blood components represents the only therapy available for many seriously ill
16th Edition 2010

patients who suffer from acute or chronic diseases.
To provide all those working in the field of transfusion medicine – from blood services to
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hospital departments to regulators – with a compendium of measures designed to ensure the
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safety, quality and efficacy of blood components, the Council of Europe has developed a guide
as a technical annex to its Recommendation No. R (95) 15 on the preparation, use and quality
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assurance of blood components. The Guide contains recommendations on blood collection,
blood components, technical procedures, transfusion practices and quality systems for blood
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establishments. It represents the basis for a large number of national regulations, as well as for
o m p o n e n t s
of Blood C
the blood directives of the European Commission.
This is the 16th Edition of the Guide, compiled by leading European experts under the aegis of
the European Committee (Partial Agreement) on Blood Transfusion (CD-P-TS). This Steering
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Committee was created in 2007 by the Council of Europe to pursue its activities in the field of
blood transfusion following the transfer of these activities to the European Directorate for the
te e (P a rt ia
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Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM).
European C ra n s fu s io n (C
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The EDQM is a Directorate of the Council of Europe, an international organisation
Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance of Blood Components

founded in 1949 that covers almost the entire continent of Europe. The Council of
Europe aims to develop common democratic and legal principles based on the European
Convention on Human Rights and other reference texts on the protection of individuals.
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Guide to the Preparation,
Use and Quality Assurance
of Blood Components
Recommendation No. R (95) 15
16th Edition
European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare

The Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance of Blood
Components is published by the Directorate for the Quality of
Medicines & HealthCare of the Council of Europe (EDQM).
All rights conferred by virtue of the International Copyright Convention

are specifically reserved to the Council of Europe and any reproduction
or translation requires the written consent of the Publisher.
Director of the Publication: Dr S. Keitel

Page layout and cover: EDQM
European Directorate for the Quality

of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM)
Council of Europe
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ISBN 978-92-871-7022-4
© Council of Europe, 2011
Printed on acid-free paper by Druckerei C. H. Beck, Nördlingen (Germany)
Guide to the preparation, use and quality assurance of blood components
Foreword
Founded in 1949, the Council of Europe is the oldest and largest of all
European institutions and now numbers 47 member states1. One of its
founding principles is that of increasing co-operation between member
states to improve the quality of life for all Europeans.
Within this context of intergovernmental co-operation in the field of
health, the Council of Europe has consistently selected ethical problems
for study. The most important such ethical issue relates to the non-
commercialisation of human substances i.e. blood, organs and tissues.
With regard to blood transfusion, co-operation among member states
started back in the 1950s. From the outset, the activities were inspired
by the following guiding principles: promotion of voluntary, non-
remunerated blood donation, mutual assistance, optimal use of blood
and blood products and protection of the donor and the recipient.
The first result of this co-operation was the adoption of the European
Agreement on the Exchange of Therapeutic Substances of Human
Origin (European Treaty Series, No. 26) in 1958. It was followed by
the European Agreement on the exchange of blood grouping reagents
(European Treaty Series, No. 39) and of tissue-typing reagents
(European Treaty Series, No. 84) in 1962 and 1976 respectively.
1 Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, San Marino, Serbia,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, “the former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia”, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
3
Around these three Agreements, the Council of Europe has established

a blood transfusion programme, the aim of which is to ensure good
quality of blood and blood products.
Since then, the Council of Europe has adopted a number of recommen-

dations covering ethical, social, scientific and training aspects of blood
transfusion. Whereas Agreements are binding on the States that ratify
them, recommendations are policy statements to governments pro-
posing a common course of action to be followed. Major recommendations
include Recommendation No. R (88) 4 on the responsibilities of Health
Authorities in the field of blood transfusion or this Recommendation,
No. R (95) 15, which contains a technical appendix guidelines on the
use, preparation and quality assurance of blood components.
Work on Recommendation No. R (95) 15 started in 1986, when the

Select Committee of Experts on Quality Assurance in Blood Trans-
fusion Services published proposals on quality assurance in blood
transfusion services.
Based on these proposals, the Select Committee produced a more

comprehensive guide on blood components in 1995. The immediate
success and acceptability of this document was such that the Committee
of Ministers adopted it as a technical appendix to what then became
Recommendation No. R (95) 15.
Recommendation No. R (95) 15 also states that its technical appendix

will be regularly up-dated to keep it in line with scientific progress
and to this end, the Committee was charged with producing annual
up-dates in the form of a guide. During the elaboration of the
4th Edition a public consultation procedure was introduced for the first
time with great success. It is on the basis of this procedure that the
publication of future editions was envisaged.
This is the 16th Edition of the Guide containing amendments which

take into account comments made during the consultation procedure
of the draft 15th and 16th Editions where National Health Authorities as
well as interested parties were invited to comment on the proposed text.
4
The members of the Experts working group (GTS) who worked on this
16th Edition of the Guide are listed in the acknowledgements.
They operate under the aegis of the European Committee (Partial
Agreement) on Blood Transfusion (CD-P-TS), a Steering Committee
of the Council of Europe pursuing activities in the field of blood
transfusion in the frame of the European Directorate for the Quality of
Medicines and HealthCare (EDQM)2.
As of the 15th Edition of the Guide, the content has been separated into
two sections. The first, entitled Principles, encompasses background
information that has to be considered in forming policy decisions as
well as educational aspects. The second section, entitled Standards,
contains the matters that are considered to be “minimum standards”
aligning closely to the European Pharmacopoeia and European
Commission Directives. It is intended to assist other jurisdictions to
transpose these into legislation. The Standards Section states “what
must be done”.
The Principles Section provides information on the “why and how”.
It also refers to developments that are not yet incorporated into
standards, thus providing advance information about technical
changes in the field. It was anticipated that in the next editions of
the Guide, apart from changes to its technical content, the Principles
Section would be further expanded.
In view of the good acceptance of this new format for the 15th Edition,
the 16th Edition has been prepared along the same lines.
Special thanks should be made to the chairman, Dr van der Poel and
to the other members of GTS, Dr Flanagan, Dr Klüter, Dr Lozano,
Dr MacLennan, Dr McClelland, Dr O’Riordan, Dr Sondag-Thull
who were involved in the redrafting of the guide for the 15th and
16th Editions.
2 EDQM is a Directorate of the Council of Europe, created in 1964 on the legal basis
of the Convention on the Elaboration of a European Pharmacopoeia. 36 member
states, the European Union and 23 observers co-operate in this frame.
5
Contents
Foreword ..................................................................................................................3
Aknowledgements ................................................................................................ 15
Members of ad hoc group (GTS) ........................................................................16
European Committee (Partial Agreement) on Blood Transfusion
(CD-P-TS) .............................................................................................................23
Recommendation No. R (95) 15 .........................................................................40
APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDATION No. R (95) 15 .................................. 43
Introduction ......................................................................................................... 45
PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................... 47
Chapter 1. Principles of a quality system for blood establishments .............. 49

Chapter 2. Principles of donor selection............................................................85
Chapter 3. Principles of blood collection.........................................................103
Chapter 4. Principles of blood component preparation .................................113
Chapter 5. Principles of blood component monographs ............................... 141
Chapter 6. Principles of blood components for fetal, neonatal
and infant use ......................................................................................................143
Chapter 7. Principles of autologous predeposit transfusion ..........................147
Chapter 8. Principles of blood group serology ................................................151
Chapter 9. Principles of screening for markers of infection ......................... 161
Chapter 10. Principles of pre-transfusion and transfusion measures ...........167
Chapter 11. Principles of haemovigilance ........................................................ 175
6
STANDARDS .........................................................................................................189
Chapter 1. Standards for a quality system for blood establishments ............ 191
Chapter 2. Standards for selection of donors ..................................................199
Chapter 3. Standards for blood collection ....................................................... 213
Chapter 4. Standards for blood component preparation, storage and
distribution..................................................................................................................... 219
Chapter 5. Component monographs ................................................................225
Part A. Whole blood components ............................................................... 227
Part B. Red cell components ..........................................................................235
Part C. Platelet components ......................................................................... 269
Part D. Plasma components............................................................................311
Part E. White cell components ......................................................................329
Chapter 6. Standards for blood components for intrauterine, neonatal
and infant use ...................................................................................................... 335
Part A. Components for intrauterine transfusions .....................................337

Part B. Components for neonatal exchange transfusion ...........................343
Part C. Components (small volume) for neonatal and infant transfusion..351
Chapter 7. Standards for autologous pre-deposit transfusion ....................... 355
Chapter 8. Standards for blood group serology ..............................................359
Chapter 9. Standards for screening for infectious markers ...........................361
Chapter 10. Standards for transfusion............................................................. 367
Chapter 11. Standards for haemovigilance .......................................................371
Annex ...................................................................................................................373
List of definitions ................................................................................................395
Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 403
Recommendations and resolutions of the Council of Europe
in the field of blood transfusion ...................................................................... 405
List of publications ............................................................................................407
7
Detailed table of contents
Foreword ..................................................................................................................3
Acknowledgements .............................................................................................. 15
Members of ad hoc group (GTS) ........................................................................16
European Committee (Partial Agreement) on Blood Transfusion
(CD-P-TS) .............................................................................................................23
Recommendation No. R (95) 15 .........................................................................40
APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDATION No. R (95) 15 ................................... 43

Introduction ......................................................................................................... 45
PRINCIPLES ........................................................................................................... 47
Chapter 1. Principles of a quality system for blood establishments .............. 49

Paragraph 1. Overview ....................................................................................... 49
Paragraph 2. Personnel and organisation ........................................................ 49
Paragraph 3. General requirements for premises, including mobile sites ... 50
Paragraph 4. Documentation ............................................................................. 51
Paragraph 5. Storage ............................................................................................52
Paragraph 6. Self inspection, audits and improvement ..................................52
Paragraph 7. Validation and qualification ........................................................52
Paragraph 8. Control of equipment ...................................................................56
Paragraph 9. Record keeping ............................................................................ 62
Paragraph 10. Data processing systems ........................................................... 64
Paragraph 11. Statistical process control .......................................................... 70
8
Chapter 2. Principles of donor selection............................................................85

Paragraph 1. Overview ........................................................................................85
Paragraph 2. Donor screening ...........................................................................87
Paragraph 3. Specific considerations for donors of different components...92
Paragraph 4. Example of a donor screening questionnaire......................... 100
Chapter 3. Principles of blood collection.........................................................103

Paragraph 2. Premises for donor sessions ......................................................103
Paragraph 3. Equipment used at blood donation sessions .............................104
Paragraph 4. Pre-donation checks and labelling ...........................................104
Paragraph 5. Venepuncture ..............................................................................104
Paragraph 6. Apheresis......................................................................................107
Paragraph 7. Repository of archive samples ...................................................107
Paragraph 8. Management of adverse reactions in donors ..........................107
Paragraph 9. Donor clinic documentation..................................................... 110
Chapter 4. Principles of blood component preparation .................................113

Paragraph 1. Overview .......................................................................................113
Paragraph 2. Preparation procedures .............................................................. 114
Paragraph 3. Choice of anticoagulant and bag system...................................115
Paragraph 4. Centrifugation of blood components .......................................117
Paragraph 5. Component separation............................................................... 119
Paragraph 6. Leucocyte-depletion ...................................................................124
Paragraph 7. Freezing and thawing of plasma ................................................ 125
Paragraph 8. Open and closed systems and sterile connection devices ..... 127
Paragraph 9. Ionising irradiation of blood components .............................. 127
Paragraph 10. Prevention of CMV transmission ...........................................128
Paragraph 11. Pathogen reduction ...................................................................129
Paragraph 12. Purity of components ...............................................................129
Paragraph 13. Bacterial safety of blood components .....................................130
Paragraph 14. Storage of blood components .................................................. 133
9
Paragraph 15. Transportation of blood components ..................................... 138

Paragraph 16. Component information and principles of labelling............ 139
Chapter 5. Principles of blood component monographs ............................... 141

Chapter 6. Principles of blood components for fetal, neonatal
and infant use ......................................................................................................143
Paragraph 1. Overview ...................................................................................... 143
Chapter 7. Principles of autologous predeposit transfusion ..........................147

Paragraph 1. Overview ......................................................................................147
Paragraph 2. Selection of patients for autologous predeposit transfusion ..148
Paragraph 3. Autologous predeposit components preparation, storage
and distribution ................................................................................................. 150
Chapter 8. Principles of blood group serology ................................................151

Paragraph 1. Overview .......................................................................................151
Paragraph 2. Validation and quality assurance .............................................. 152
Chapter 9. Principles of screening for markers of infection ......................... 161

Paragraph 1. Overview (general comments for all mandatory tests) .......... 161
Paragraph 3. Confirmatory testing ..................................................................164
Paragraph 4. Nucleic acid screening (HCV- and HIV-NAT) in mini-pools ..165
Paragraph 5. Additional serological testing ....................................................166
Chapter 10. Principles of pre-transfusion and transfusion measures ..........167

Paragraph 1. Blood group serological investigations.....................................167
Paragraph 2. Pre-transfusion measures ..........................................................168
Paragraph 3. Transfusion ..................................................................................169
Paragraph 4. Handling and storage of blood in the hospital .......................170
Paragraph 5. Transfusion complications ......................................................... 171
Paragraph 6. Hospital transfusion committees.............................................. 173
Chapter 11. Principles of haemovigilance ........................................................ 175

Paragraph 2. Prerequisites for implementation of a haemovigilance network ..176
10
Paragraph 3. Types of adverse reactions and adverse events collected

in a haemovigilance network ...........................................................................179
Paragraph 4. Tracing and recall of potentially infectious donations
for HIV, HCV or HBV (look-back) ................................................................. 182
Paragraph 5. Contract between the blood establishment and hospital
for haemovigilance ............................................................................................ 185
Paragraph 6. Reporting haemovigilance data ................................................ 185
STANDARDS .........................................................................................................189
Chapter 1. Standards for a quality system for blood establishments ............ 191
Paragraph 1. The quality system ...................................................................... 191
Paragraph 2. Elements of the quality system..................................................192
Chapter 2. Standards for selection of donors ..................................................199

Paragraph 1. Overview ......................................................................................199
Paragraph 2. Information to be provided to the donor ................................199
Paragraph 3. Medical assessment of the donor ..............................................201
Paragraph 4. Donor deferral ........................................................................... 202
Paragraph 5. Specific standards for donors of different types
of components ................................................................................................... 209
Paragraph 6. Post donation information ........................................................ 212
Chapter 3. Standards for blood collection ....................................................... 213

Paragraph 1. Premises for donor sessions ....................................................... 213
Paragraph 2. Equipment used at blood donation sessions ............................. 213
Paragraph 3. Pre-donation checks ...................................................................214
Paragraph 4. Labelling ......................................................................................214
Paragraph 5. Venepuncture, bleeding and mixing ........................................ 215
Paragraph 6. Handling of filled containers and samples ..............................216
Paragraph 7. Special requirements for apheresis............................................216
Paragraph 8. Repository of archive samples................................................... 217
11
Chapter 4. Standards for blood component preparation, storage and

distribution ..........................................................................................................219
Paragraph 1. Processing.....................................................................................219
Paragraph 2. Component labelling and information ................................... 220
Paragraph 3. Release of blood components ................................................... 220
Paragraph 4. Storage and distribution ............................................................ 221
Paragraph 5. Ionising irradiation .....................................................................222
Paragraph 6. Leucocyte depletion ...................................................................223
Paragraph 7. Bacterial safety .............................................................................223
Chapter 5. Component monographs ................................................................225

Part A. Whole blood components ............................................................... 227
Paragraph 1. Whole Blood ................................................................................228
Paragraph 2. Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted .......................................... 231
Part B. Red cell components ..........................................................................235
Paragraph 1. Red Cells .......................................................................................236
Paragraph 2. Red Cells, Buffy Coat Removed ................................................239
Paragraph 3. Red Cells, in Additive Solution ................................................ 242
Paragraph 4. Red Cells, Buffy Coat Removed, in Additive Solution ......... 246
Paragraph 5. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted ................................................ 249
Paragraph 6. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted in Additive Solution ............ 253
Paragraph 7. Red Cells, Apheresis....................................................................257
Paragraph 8. Red Cells, Washed ......................................................................261
Paragraph 9. Red Cells, Cryopreserved ......................................................... 264
Part C. Platelet components ......................................................................... 269
Paragraph 1. Platelets, Recovered, Single Unit .............................................. 270
Paragraph 2. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled ......................................................274
Paragraph 3. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, Leucocyte-Depleted .................278
Paragraph 4. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, in Additive Solution ................283
Paragraph 5. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, Leucocyte-Depleted,
in Additive Solution ..........................................................................................287
12
Paragraph 6. Platelets, Apheresis .....................................................................291

Paragraph 7. Platelets, Apheresis, Leucocyte-Depleted ................................295
Paragraph 8. Platelets, Apheresis, in Additive Solution ............................... 299
Paragraph 9. Platelets, Apheresis, Leucocyte-depleted, in Additive Solution..303
Paragraph 10. Platelets, Cryopreserved...........................................................307
Part D. Plasma components............................................................................311

Paragraph 1. Plasma, Fresh Frozen .................................................................. 312
Paragraph 2. Plasma, Fresh Frozen, Pathogen Reduced ............................... 316
Paragraph 3. Cryoprecipitate ............................................................................ 321
Paragraph 4. Plasma, Fresh Frozen, Cryoprecipitate-Depleted................... 325
Part E. White cell components ......................................................................329

Paragraph 1. Granulocytes, Apheresis .............................................................330
Chapter 6. Standards for blood components for intrauterine, neonatal

and infant use ...................................................................................................... 335
Part A. Components for intrauterine transfusions .....................................337
Paragraph 1. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted for Intrauterine Transfusion ..338
Paragraph 2. Platelets, Leucocyte-Depleted for Intrauterine Transfusion ..340
Part B. Components for neonatal exchange transfusion ...........................343
Paragraph 1. Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted for Exchange Transfusion..344
Paragraph 2. Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted, Plasma Reduced
for Exchange Transfusion .................................................................................345
Paragraph 3. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted, suspended in Fresh
Frozen Plasma for Exchange Transfusion ......................................................347
Part C. Components (small volume) for neonatal and infant
transfusion ....................................................................................................... 351
Paragraph 1. Red Cells for Neonatal and Infant Small Volume Transfusion ..352
Chapter 7. Standards for autologous pre-deposit transfusion ....................... 355

Paragraph 1. General overview ........................................................................ 355
Paragraph 2. Predeposit blood components preparation, storage and
distribution .........................................................................................................356
13
Chapter 8. Standards for blood group serology ..............................................359

Paragraph 1. General overview ........................................................................359
Paragraph 2. Blood group serology testing of blood donations ..................359
Paragraph 3. Validation of reagents ................................................................ 360
Paragraph 4. Quality control ........................................................................... 360
Chapter 9. Standards for screening for infectious markers ...........................361

Paragraph 1. Selection and validation of infectious markers tests............... 361
Paragraph 2. Mandatory serological screening tests .....................................362
Paragraph 3. Additional serological screening tests ......................................362
Paragraph 4. Management of reactive results in serological screening tests..363
Paragraph 5. Nucleic acid amplification techniques ....................................... 364
Paragraph 6. Selective screening of donations ...............................................365
Chapter 10. Standards for transfusion............................................................. 367

Paragraph 1. Pre-transfusion measures ...........................................................367
Paragraph 2. Transfusion ................................................................................. 369
Chapter 11. Standards for haemovigilance .......................................................371

Paragraph 2. Prerequisites for implementation of a haemovigilance
network ............................................................................................................... 371
Paragraph 3. Device defects ..............................................................................372
Paragraph 4. Post-transfusion infection reported to the blood
establishment......................................................................................................372
Annex ...................................................................................................................373
List of definitions ................................................................................................395
Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 403
Recommendations and resolutions of the Council of Europe

in the field of blood transfusion ...................................................................... 405
List of publications ............................................................................................407
14
Acknowledgements
In 2009 and 2010 the Expert working group “Guide to the preparation,
use and quality assurance of blood components” (GTS) was in charge
of preparing the 16th Edition of the Guide. GTS operates under the
aegis of the European Committee (Partial Agreement) on Blood
Transfusion (CD-P-TS), the steering committee created by the Council
of Europe to pursue its activities in the field of blood transfusion in the
frame of the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and
HealthCare (EDQM).
The experts having prepared this edition are gratefully acknowledged
for their valuable contributions. The members and the chairman of the
drafting group – Dr Flanagan, Dr Klüter, Dr Lozano, Dr O’Riordan,
Dr MacLennan, Dr Sondag-Thull and Dr van der Poel (chair) – who
have been in charge of the management of the restructuring process
of the guide are especially acknowledged. Dr McClelland who has
performed the editorial review. The participants to the public enquiry
and the representatives from CD-P-TS who have submitted many
constructive comments are also acknowledged.
The drafting and the publication of the 16th Edition of the guide was
coordinated by Dr Marie-Emmanuelle Behr-Gross (Scientific Officer,
EDQM) supported by Ms Ahlem Sanchez (secretarial assistant,
EDQM) and Ms Ioulia Iankova (editorial assistant, EDQM).
15
Members of ad hoc group (GTS)
Chairman
VAN DER POEL Cees
Secretary Medical Affairs
Stitching Sanquin Bloedvoorziening
Plesmanlaan, 125
NL – 1006 CX AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
Tel. (31) 20 512 32 65 / Fax (31) 20 512 38 72
E-mail: c.vanderpoel@sanquin.nl
Members
BAGGE HANSEN Morten
Blood Tranfusion Centre
Righospitalet
Blegdamsvej, 9
DK – 2100 COPENHAGEN
Tel. (45) 35 45 25 83 / Fax (45) 35 39 00 38
E-mail: morten.bagge.hansen@rh.regionh.dk
BAROTINE TOTH Klara

Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service
19-21, Karolina St.
H – 1113 BUDAPEST
Tel. (36) 1 372 4163 / Fax (36) 1 372 4114
E-mail: barotine.toth.klara@ovsz.hu
16
BELL Barbara
Australian Red Cross Blood Service
153, Clarence Street
AU – 2000 NSW SYDNEY
Tel. () / Fax ()
E-mail: bbell@arcbs.redcross.org.au
BOGDANOVA Vera
Federal Medico Biological Agency
Volokalamskoye shosse, 30
RU – 109074 MOSCOW
Tel. (7) 495 617 14 82 / Fax (7) 495 617 14 83
E-mail: Bogdanova@nic-itep.ru
CAZENAVE Jean-Pierre
Etablissement Français du Sang
10, rue Spielman
67085 STRASBOURG Cédex
Tel. (33) 3 88 35 35 35 / Fax (33) 3 88 36 99 15
E-mail: jean-pierre.cazenave@efs.sante.fr
DE ANGELIS Vincenzo
Udine University Hospital
P. le S. Maria della Misericordia, 15
I – 33100 UDINE
Tel. (39) 04 32 55 23 40 / Fax (39) 04 32 55 23 52
E-mail: vincenzo.deangelis@sanita.fvg.it
EPSTEIN Jay S.
Office of Blood Resaerch and Review
HFM 300, 1401 Rockville Pike
USA – 20852-1448 ROCKVILLE
Tel. (1) 301 827 3518 / Fax (1) 301 827 3533
E-mail: epsteinj@cber.fda.gov
17
ERTUGRUL Nigar
Blood Transfusion Center
Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit
Training and Research Hospital
TR – 06110 ANKARA
Tel. (90) 532 664 2355 / Fax (90) 312 318 6690
E-mail: nigarertugrul@gmail.com
FLANAGAN Peter
New Zealand Blood Service
71, Great South Road
Private Bag
NZ – 92071 AUCKLAND
Tel. (64) 9 523 57 44 / Fax (64) 9 523 57 54
E-mail: peter.flanagan@nzblood.co.nz
FLESLAND Oystein
Asker and Baerum Hospital
PO Box 83
N – 1309 RUD
Tel. (47) 67 809 703 / Fax (47) 67 809 705
E-mail: oystein.flesland@sabhf.no
FONTANA Stefano
Blutspendedienst SRK Bern AG
Murtenstrasse, 133
CH – 3008 BERN
Tel. (41) 31 384 22 14 / Fax (41) 31 384 24 30
E-mail: Stefano.fontana@bsd-be.ch
GANZ Peter
Health Canada
Bldg n° 6, 3rd floor, Rm 3364
AL 0603C3 Tunneys Pasture
CA – K1A OL2 OTTAWA ONTARIO
Tel. (1) 613 952 0237 / Fax (1) 613 957 6302
E-mail: peter.ganz@hc-sc.gc.ca
18
GARRAUD Olivier
Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Loire
25, boulevard Pasteur
FR – 42023 SAINT-ETIENNE
Tel. (33) 4 77 81 42 55 / Fax (33) 4 77 80 82 94
E-mail: olivier.garraud@efs.sante.fr
GUDMUNDSSON Sveinn
Blood Bank, University Hospital
IS – 101 REIKJAVIK
Tel. (354) 543 5530 / 560 2020 / Fax (354) 543 5532
E-mail: sveinn@landspitali.is
KELLER Anthony
Australian Red Cross Blood Service
97, Great Eastern Highway
AUS – WA 6103 RIVERVALE
Tel. (61) 8 94 72 20 22 / Fax (61) 8 94 72 20 20
E-mail: akeller@arcbs.redcross.org.au
KLUTER Harald
Institut für Transfusionsmedizin und immunologie
Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse, 107
D – 68167 MANNHEIM
Tel. (49) 621 3706 817 / Fax (49) 621 3706 818
E-mail: h.klueter@buchspende.de
KRUSIUS Tom
Finnish Red Cross
Blood Transfusion Service
Kivihaantie, 7
FIN – 00310 HELSINKI
Tel. (358) 9 58 012 70 / Fax (358) 9 58 014 29
E-mail: tom.krusius@veripalvelu.fi
19
LOZANO Miguel
Hospital Clinic Provincial
Villarroel, 170
E – 08036 BARCELONA
Tel. (34) 932 275 448 / Fax (34) 932 279 369
E-mail: mLozano@clinic.ub.es
MACLENNAN Sheila
NHS Blood and Transplant
Leeds Centre
Bridle Path
UK – LS15 7TW LEEDS
Tel. (44) 113 214 86 38 / Fax (44) 113 214 86 96
E-mail: sheila.maclennan@nsbt.nhs.uk
NASCIMENTO Fatima
Service Immuno Hemoterapia
Parque da Saude de Lisboa
Av. Do Brasil 53, Pav 17
P – LISBOA
Tel. (351) 917 26 58 35 / Fax (351) 21 795 64 92
E-mail: fatima.nascimento@netcabo.py
O’RIORDAN Joan
Irish Blood Transfusion Board
James Street
IRL – DUBLIN 8
Tel. (353) 1 4322800 / Fax (353) 1 4322930
E-mail: joriordan@ibts.ie
POLITIS Constantina
Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity
3, Garnofsky St.
GR – 11742 ATHENS
Tel. (30) 210 922 0482 / Fax (30) 210 922 0248
E-mail: c.politis@hol.gr
20
PROSSER Ian
RADZIWON Piotr Marek
Regional Centre for Transfusion Medicine in Bialystok
UI. M. Skodowskiej, 23
PL – 15950 BIALYSTOK
Tel. (48) 85 744 7002 / Fax (48) 85 744 7133
E-mail: rckik.bialystok.pl
REHACEK Vit
Fakultni nemocnice Hradec Kralove
Sokolska, 581
CZ – 500 05 HRADEC KRALOVE
Tel. (420) 495 832 672
E-mail: rehacekv@lfhk.cuni.cz
ROSOCHOVA Jana
Naroda Transfuzna Sluzba RS
Limbova ul., 3
RSL – 837 52 BRATISLAVA
Tel. (41) 76 36 92 810 / Fax (41) 22 372 39 57
E-mail: rosochova@ntssr.sk
SAFWENBERG Jan
Blodcentralen
Akademiska Sjukhuset
SE – 751 85 UPPSALA
Tel. (46) 18 61 14 169 / Fax (46) 18 61 13 745
E-mail: jan.safwenberg@akademiska.se
SCHENNACH Harald
Zentralikinstitut für Bluttransfusion
und Immunologische Abteilung
Anichstrasse, 35
A – 6020 INNSBRUCK
Tel. (43) 50 504 22 930 / Fax (43) 50 504 22 934
E-mail: harald.schennach@tilak.at
21
SONDAG-THULL Danièle
Blood Transfusion Service of the Red Cross
96, Rue de Stalle
B – 1180 BRUXELLES
Tel. (32) 2 371 35 20 / Fax (32) 2 371 35 23
E-mail: d.sondag@redcross-transfusion.be
TESKRAT Fewzi
Afssaps
143-147, boulevard Anatole France
F – 93285 SAINT-DENIS Cedex
Tel. (33) 1 55 87 40 41 / Fax (33) 1 55 87 40 32
E-mail: Fenzi.Teskrat@afssaps.sante.fr
VASILJEVIC Nada
National Coordinator of the National Blood Transfusion
Project for Serbia
Lamartinova, 21
SRB – 11000 BELGRADE
Tel. (381) 63 318 556 / Fax (381) 11 3443 014
E-mail: nada99@eunet.yu
WILLIAMS Alan
Food and Drug Administration
HFM 370
1401, Rockville Pike
Tel. (1) 301 827 2861 / Fax (1) 301 827 3535
E-mail: alan.williams@fda.hhs.gov
22
European Committee (Partial Agreement)

on Blood Transfusion (CD-P-TS)
Chairman
NORDA Rut
Klinisk immunologi och transfusionsmedicin
Uppsala University Hospital
Akademiska Sjukhuset
S – 751 85 UPPSALA
Tel. (46) 196 111 097 / Fax (46) 186 113 745
E-mail: rut.norda@akademiska.se
Members
AUSTRIA
SCHENNACH Harald
Zentralikinstitut für Bluttransfusion und Immunologische
Abteilung
Anichstrasse, 35
A – 6020 INNSBRUCK
Tel. (43) 50 504 22 930 / Fax (43) 50 504 22 934
E-mail: harald.schennach@tilak.at
KURZ Johann
Federal Ministry of Health
Radetzkystrasse, 2 – Unit III A 2
A – 1030 WIEN
Tel. (43) 1 71100 46 43 / Fax (43) 1 713 4404 1530
E-mail: johann.kurz@bmg.gv.at
23
BELGIUM
MUYLLE Ludo
Agence Fédérale du Médicament
et des Produits de Santé – AFMPS
Eurostation Blok II – 8e étage
Place Victor Horta, 40, Boîte 10
B – 1060 BRUSSELS
Tel. (32) 2 524 83 77 / Fax (32) 2 524 80 01
E-mail: ludo.muylle@health.fgov.be
BONTEZ Walter
Agence Fédérale du Médicament et
des produits de Santé – AFMPS
Eurostation Blok II – 8e étage
Place Victor Horta, 40, Boîte 10
B – 1060 BRUSSELS
Tel. (32) 2 524 83 79 / Fax (32) 2 524 80 01
E-mail: walter.bontez@health.fgov.be
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
HADZIC Hasija
Blood Transfusion Institute F BIH
Cekalu 5A 86
BOS – SARAJEVO
Tel. (387) 33 270 271 / Fax (387) 33 270 100
E-mail: hadzich@ztmfblh.ba
BULGARIA
MASHAROVA Natalia
National Centre of Haematology and Blood Transfusion
112, Bratia Miladinovi St.
BG – 1202 SOFIA
Tel. (359) 2 9210 455 / Fax (359) 2 9710 419
E-mail: Nathalie_54@abv.bg
24
CROATIA
VUK Tomislav
Croatian Institute for Blood Transfusion
Petrova, 3
CRO – 10000 ZAGREB
Tel. (385) 1460 0327
E-mail: tomislav.vuk@hztm.t-com.hr
CYPRUS
KIOUPI Stala
Nicosia General Hospital
Ap. 215, 2029 Strovolos
CY – NICOSIA
Tel. (357) 2260 4178 / Fax (357) 2260 3055
E-mail: s.kioupi@cytanet.com.cy
CZECH REPUBLIC
TUREK Petr
Thomayer Teaching Hospital
Videnskà, 800
RTC – 140 59 PRAHA 4
Tel. (42) 02 61 083 285 / Fax (42) 02 61 082 579
E-mail: petr.turek@ftn.cz
DENMARK
BAGGE HANSEN Morten
Blood Tranfusion Centre
Righospitalet
Blegdamsvej, 9
DK – 2100 COPENHAGEN
Tel. (45) 35 45 25 83 / Fax (45) 35 39 00 38
E-mail: morten.bagge.hansen@rh.regionh.dk
25
KRISTENSEN Marianne
National Board of Health
Islands Brygge, 67
DK – 23000 S – COPENHAGEN
Tel. (45) 72 22 76 60
E-mail: mkr@sst.dk
ESTONIA
EVERAUS Hele
Haematology and Oncology Clinic
Vallikraavi 7
ZES – 51003 TARTU
Tel. (372) 731 9808 9606 / Fax (372) 731 9804 9667
E-mail: Hele.Everaus@kliinikum.ee
FINLAND
KRUSIUS Tom
Finnish Red Cross
Blood Transfusion Service
Kivihaantie, 7
FIN – 00310 HELSINKI
Tel. (358) 9 58 012 70 / Fax (358) 9 58 014 29
E-mail: tom.krusius@veripalvelu.fi
THE FORMER YUGOSLAV REPUBLIC OF MADEDONIA
DUKOVSKI Risto
Office of the Republic Macedonia of Blood Transfusion
National Institute for Transfusion Medicine
Vodnjanska, 17
MAC – 1000 SKOPJE
Tel. (389) 2322 6923 / Fax (389) 2311 9227
E-mail: duri50@freemail.com.mk
26
FRANCE
GARRAUD Olivier
EFS – Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Loire
25, boulevard Pasteur
FR – 42023 SAINT-ETIENNE
Tel. (33) 4 77 81 42 55 / Fax (33) 4 77 80 82 94
E-mail: olivier.garraud@efs.sante.fr
FOLLEA Gilles (until November 2010)
EFS – Etablissement Français du Sang Pays de Loire
34, boulevard Jean Monnet
BP 91115
FR – 44011 NANTES Cedex 1
Tel. (33) 2 40 12 33 38 / Fax (33) 2 40 12 33 33
E-mail: gilles.follea@efs.sante.fr
De la VOLPILIERE Alexandre
Ministère de la Santé et des Sports
Direction Générale de la Santé
14, avenue Duquesne
FR – 75350 PARIS 07 SP
Tel. (33) 1 40 56 44 94 / Fax (33) 1 40 56 46 79
E-mail: volpiliere@sante.gouv.fr
GERMANY
HEIDEN Margarethe (vice chair)
Paul Ehrlich Institut
Paul Ehrlich Strasse, 51-59
D – 63225 LANGEN
Tel. (49) 6103 50 79 60 / Fax (49) 6103 97 7979
E-mail: heima@pei.de
KLUTER Harald
Institut für Transfusionsmedizin und immunologie
Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse, 107
D – 68167 MANNHEIM
Tel. (49) 621 3706 817 / Fax (49) 621 3706 818
E-mail: h.klueter@buchspende.de
27
GREECE
POLITIS Constantina
Ministry of Health and Social Solidarity
3, Garnofsky St.
GR – 11742 ATHENS
Tel. (30) 210 922 0482 / Fax (30) 210 922 0248
E-mail: c.politis@hol.gr
DADIOTIS Loukas
Hôpital Tzaneio de Pirée
Service des Transfusions
GR – ATHENS
Tel. (30) 210 459 27 50
E-mail: aimodosia@tzaneio.gr
HUNGARY
BAROTINE TOTH Klara
Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service
19-21, Karolina St.
H – 1113 BUDAPEST
Tel. (36) 1 372 4163 / Fax (36) 1 372 4114
E-mail: barotine.toth.klara@ovsz.hu
IRELAND
O’RIORDAN Joan
Irish Blood Transfusion Board
James Street
IRL – DUBLIN 8
Tel. (353) 1 4322800 / Fax (353) 1 4322930
E-mail: joriordan@ibts.ie
ITALY
GRAZZINI Giuliano
Istituto Superiore di Sanita – Centro Nazionale Sangue
Via Giano della Bella, 27
I – 00162 ROME
Tel. (39) 06 4990 4971 / Fax (39) 06 4990 4975
E-mail: giuliano.grazzini@iss.it
28
DE ANGELIS Vincenzo
Udine University Hospital
P. le S. Maria della Misericordia, 15
I – 33100 UDINE
Tel. (39) 04 32 55 23 40 / Fax (39) 04 32 55 23 52
E-mail: vincenzo.deangelis@sanita.fvg.it
LATVIA
STEINERTE Anna
Latvian Blood Centre
ZLE – LATVIA
Tel. (371) 740 8865
E-mail: anna.steinerte@vadc.gov.lv
JURSEVICA Evelina
Center of Blood Donors
ZLE – LATVIA
Tel. (371) 74 71 473
E-mail: evelina.jursevica@vadc.gov.lv
LITHUANIA
NAUJOKAITE Alvyda
Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania
Vilniaus St., 33
ZLI – VILNIUS
Tel. (370) 5 266 14 70
E-mail: alvyda.naujokaite@sam.lt
KALIBATAS Vytenis
National Blood Center
Zolyno St., 34
ZLI – 10210 VILNIUS
Tel. (370) 852 34 05 00
E-mail: nkcentras@takas.it
29
LUXEMBOURG
COURRIER Paul
Centre de Transfusion sanguine de la Croix Rouge
BP 404
L – 2014 LUXEMBOURG
Tel. (352) 450 505 1 / Fax (352) 450 505 247
E-mail: transfusion@croix-rouge.lu
MALTA
LASPINA Stephan
St Luke’s Hospital Blood Bank – St Luke’s Hospital
MSD 09 – G-MANGIA
Tel. (356) 25 92 63 30
E-mail: Stefan.laspina@gov.mt
MONTENEGRO
RASOVIC Gordana
Blood Transfusion Center – Clinical Center of Montenegro
Ljubljanska bb
ME – 20000 PODGORICA
Tel. (382) 20 241 552 / Fax (382) 20 241 552
E-mail: grasovic@kccg.cg.yu
THE NETHERLANDS
VAN DER POEL Cees

Secretary Medical Affairs
Stitching Sanquin Bloedvoorziening
Plesmanlaan, 125
NL – 1006 CX AMSTERDAM
Tel. (31) 20 512 32 65 / Fax (31) 20 512 38 72
E-mail: c.vanderpoel@sanquin.nl
30
DE WIT Jeroen
Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation
Plesmanlaan, 125
PO Box 9892
NL – 1006 AN AMSTERDAM
Tel. (31) 20 512 99 93 / Fax (31) 20 512 32 52
E-mail: hjc.dewit@sanquin.nl
NORWAY
FLESLAND Oystein
Asker and Baerum Hospital
PO Box 83
N – 1309 RUD
Tel. (47) 67 809 703 / Fax (47) 67 809 705
E-mail: oystein.flesland@sabhf.no
POLAND
RADZIWON Piotr Marek
Regional Centre for Transfusion Medicine in Bialystok
UI. M. Skodowskiej, 23
PL – 15950 BIALYSTOK
Tel. (48) 85 744 7002 / Fax (48) 85 744 7133
E-mail: pradziwon@rckik.bialystok.pl
PORTUGAL
NASCIMENTO Fatima
Service Immuno Hemoterapia
Parque da Saude de Lisboa
Av. Do Brasil 53, Pav 17
P – LISBOA
Tel. (351) 917 26 58 35 / Fax (351) 21 795 64 92
E-mail: fatima.nascimento@netcabo.py
31
ROMANIA
DOBROTA Alina Mirella
Regional Centre for Blood Transfusion
Constanta St. Nicolae lorga, n° 85
R – 010024 BUCURESTI
Tel. (40) 241 520 711 / Fax (40) 241 671 030
E-mail: alina_mirella@yahoo.com
SERBIA
VASILJEVIC Nada
National Coordinator of the National Blood Transfusion
Project for Serbia
Lamartinova, 21
SRB – 11000 BELGRADE
Tel. (381) 63 318 556 / Fax (381) 11 3443 014
E-mail: nada99@eunet.yu
SLOVAK REPUBLIC
ROSOCHOVA Jana
Ministry of Health of the Slovak Republic
2, Limbova Ulica
RSL – BRATISLAVA
Tel. (41) 76 36 92 810 / Fax (41) 22 372 39 57
E-mail:
SLOVENIA
ROZMAN Primoz
Head of the Centre for Immunohaematology
Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia
Slajmerjeva, 6
SLO – 1000 LJUBLJANA
Tel. (386) 1 5438 100 / Fax (386) 1 2302 224
E-mail: primoz.rozman@ztim.si
32
RAZBORSEK Irena
Blood Transfusion Centre of Slovenia
Slajmerjeva, 6
SLO – 1000 LJUBLJANA
Tel. (386) 1 54 38 138
E-mail: irena.razborsek@ztm.si
SPAIN
VESGA CARASA Miguel
Ministerio de Sanidad Y Consumo
Paseo del Prado, 18-20
S – 28071 MADRID
Tel. (34) 94 400 71 53
E-mail: mvesga@hgda.osakidetza.net
SWEDEN
STROM Helena
Socialstyrelsen
The National Board of Health and Welfare
SE – 106 30 STOCKHOLM
Tel. (46) 075 247 40 43
E-mail: helena.strom@socialstyrelsen.se
SWITZERLAND
JUTZI Markus
Swissmedic
Swiss Agency for Therapeutic products
Hallerstrasse, 7
CH – 3000 BERN 9
Tel. (41) 31 322 04 93 / Fax (41) 31 322 04 18
E-mail: markus.jutzi@swissmedic.ch
33
MANSOURI TALEGHANI Behrouz

Croix Rouge Suisse
Service de la Transfusion Sanguine
Laupenstrasse, 37
CP 5510
CH – 3001 BERN
Tel. (41) 31 380 81 81 / Fax (41) 31 380 81 80
E-mail: behrouz.mansouri@redcross.ch
TURKEY
ERTUGRUL Nigar
Blood Transfusion Center
Ministry of Health Diskapi Yildirim Beyazit – Training
and Research Hospital
TR – 06110 ANKARA
Tel. (90) 532 664 2355 / Fax (90) 312 318 6690
E-mail: nigarertugrul@gmail.com
UNITED KINGDOM
MACLENNAN Sheila
NHS Blood and Transplant
Leeds Centre
Bridle Path
GB – LS15 7TW LEEDS
Tel. (44) 113 214 86 38 / Fax (44) 113 214 86 96
E-mail: sheila.maclennan@nsbt.nhs.uk
34
Observers
ALBANIA
DURO Vjollca
Boulevard Bajram Curri
AL – TIRANA
Tel. (355) 5 364 671
E-mail: mission.coe@mfa.gov.al
ARMENIA
DAGBASHYAN Smbat
Center of Heamatology
Ministry of Health
7, Nersisyan St.
ZAR – YEREVAN
Tel. (374) 10 283 800 / Fax (374) 10 284 478
E-mail: armhaem@arminco.com
HARUTYUNYAN Hayak
Center of Heamatology
Ministry of Health
7, Nersisyan St.
ZAR – YEREVAN
Tel. (374) 10 283 800 / Fax (374) 10 284 478
E-mail: armhaem@arminco.com
AUSTRALIA
SMITH Glenn
Therapeutic Goods Administration Laboratories
136, Narrabundah Lane Symonston
PO Box 100
AUS – ACT 2609 WODEN
Tel. (61) 2 62 32 8291 / Fax (61) 2 62 32 8687
E-mail: glenn.smith@tga.gov.au
35
PROSSER Ian
Therapeutic Goods Administration Laboratories
136, Narrabundah Lane Symonston
PO Box 100
AUS – ACT 2609 WODEN
Tel. (61) 02 6232 8685 / Fax (61) 02 6232 8939
E-mail: Larry.Kelly@tga.gov.au
CANADA
GANZ Peter
Biologics and Radiopharmaceuticals Evaluations
Building n° 6, 3rd floor, Room 3364
AL 0603C3, Tunney’s Pasture
CDN – KIA OL2 OTTAWA ONTARIO
Tel. (1) 613 952 0237
E-mail: peter_ganz@hc-sc.gc.ca
AGBANYO Francisca
Centre for Biologics Evaluation
3rd floor, Room 3379 AL 0603C3
1000 Eglantine Driveway
K1A OKP
CDN – OTTAWA, ONTARIO
Tel. (1) 613 946 1879 / Fax (1) 613 948 3655
E-mail: Francisca_agbanyo@hc-sc.gc.ca
GEORGIA
AVALISHVILI Levan
The Jo Ann Medical Centre
21, Lubliana St.
ZGE – 0159 TBILISI
Tel. (995) 32 540 670 / Fax (995) 32 540 667
E-mail: levanavali@gmail.com
36
MOLDOVA
CEBOTARI Svetlana
National Blood Transfusion Centre
St. Academi, 11
PO Box 2009
MOL – CHISINAU
Tel. (373) 2272 1846
E-mail: cebotaris@mail.ru
BELARUS
POTAPNEV Michael
Belarusian Research and Production Centre
for Hematology – Tranfusiology
Dolginovski tract, 160
ZBR – 220053 MINSK
Tel. (375) 17 289 8744 / Fax (375) 17 289 8745
E-mail: belmission_coe@mail.by
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
BOGDANOVA Vera
Federal Service of Surveillance in Healthcare
Slavyanskaya sq., 41
ZRU – 109074 MOSCOW
Tel. (7) 495 698 4068
E-mail: bodgdanovavv@roszdravnadzor.ru
Us Food and Drug Administration

EPSTEIN Jay
Office of Blood Research and Review
HFM 300, 1401 Rockville Pike
USA – 20852-1448 – ROCKVILLE
Tel. (1) 301 827 3518
E-mail: epsteinj@cber.fda.gov
37
WILLIAMS Alan
HFM 370
1401 Rockville Pike
Tel. (1) 301 827 2861 / Fax (1) 301 827 3535
E-mail: alan.williams@fda.hhs.gov
European Commission
KALTENBRUNNER Brita
Unit C6 Health Law and International
Rue Belliard, 232
Office F 101 07-90
B – 1040 BRUXELLES
BELGIQUE
Tel. (32) 2 295 47 29 / Fax (32) 2 295 95 80
E-mail: bernitz@ec.europa.eu
World Health Organization

DHINGRA Neelam
Blood Transfusion Safety
20, avenue Appia
CH – 1211 GENEVA 27
SWITZERLAND
Tel. (41) 22 791 46 60
E-mail: dhingran@who.int
PADILLA Ana
Biologicals
20, Avenue Appia
CH – 1211 GENEVE 27
SWITZERLAND
Tel. (41) 22 791 38 92 / Fax (41) 22 791 48 36
E-mail: padillaa@who.ch
38
Council of Europe Public Health Committee (CDSP)

OTTO Christian
Norwegian Directorate of Health
PO Box 7000, St. Olavs plass
0130 OSLO
NORWAY
Tel. (47) 810 20 050 / (47) 24 16 31 08 / Fax (47) 24 16 30 05
E-mail: OttoChristian.Ro@helsedir.no; ocr@helsedir.no
Council of Europe Bioethics Steering

Committee (CDBI)
GARANI-PAPADATOS Stamatia
National School of Public Health
196, Alexandras Avenue
GR – 11521 ATHENS
GREECE
Tel. (30) 210 646 5982 / Fax (30) 210 642 3041
E-mail: sgarani@nsph.gr
GEFENAS Eugenijus
Vilnius University
Vilnius St., 33
LT – 2001 VILNIUS
LITHUANIA
Tel. / Fax (370) 5 212 4565
E-mail: eugenijus.gefenas@mf.vu.lt
39
Council of Europe
Committee of Ministers
Recommendation No. R (95) 15
of the Committee of Ministers
to Member States
on the Preparation, Use and
Quality Assurance of Blood Components
(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 12 October 1995
at the 545th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)
The Committee of Ministers, under the terms of Article 15.b of the

Statute of the Council of Europe;
Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve greater
unity between its members and that this aim may be pursued, inter
alia, by the adoption of common action in the health field;
Recalling its Resolution (78) 29 on harmonisation of legislations of
member states relating to removal, grafting and transplantation human
substances;
Recalling also its Recommendations No. R (80) 5 concerning blood
products for the treatment of haemophiliacs, No. R (81) 14 on
preventing the transmission of infectious diseases in the international
transfer of blood, its components and derivatives, No. R (84) 6 on
40
the prevention of the transmission of malaria by blood transfusion,

No. R (85) 12 on the screening of blood donors for the presence of Aids
markers, No. (86) 6 on guidelines for the preparation, quality control
and use of fresh frozen plasma, No. R (88) 4 on the responsibilities of
health authorities in the field of blood transfusion and No. R (93) 4
concerning clinical trials involving the use of components and
fractionated products derived from human blood or plasma;
Taking into account the Council Directive 89/381/EEC extending the

scope of Directives 65/65/EEC and 75/319/EEC on the approximation
of provisions laid down by law, regulation or administrative action
relating to proprietary medical products and laying down special
provisions for medicinal products derived from human blood or
human plasma;
Taking into account Agreement No. 26 on the exchange of therapeutic

substances of human origin;
Considering the importance of blood components in modern

haemotherapy and the necessity to ensure their safety, efficacy and
quality;
Considering that such components are of human origin and that hence
specific ethical and technical principles have to be taken into account;
Considering the need for harmonisation of such principles in member

states;
Considering that biotechnology does not provide substitutes for most

blood products;
Convinced, therefore, of the need to provide health authorities,

transfusion services as well as hospital blood banks and clinical
users with a set of guidelines for the preparation, use and the quality
assurance of blood components;
Aware that the Guide to the preparation, use and quality assurance of
blood components published by the Council of Europe has already become
41
the generally accepted European standard and that it is therefore

appropriate to give a legal basis to this guide;
Considering that this guide will be regularly updated by the committee

of experts of the Council of Europe;
Recommends that the governments of member states take all necessary

measures and steps to ensure that the preparation, use and quality
control of blood components are carried out in accordance with the
guidelines set out in the appendix to this recommendation.
42
APPENDIX
to Recommendation No. R (95) 15
on the preparation, use and quality
assurance of blood components
44
Introduction
The purpose of this recommendation is to provide transfusion services

with a set of standards and principles relating to the preparation, use
and quality assurance of blood components. These guidelines should
form the basis for standard operating procedures (SOPs).
These guidelines and descriptions of the different blood components
should also be of value to hospital blood banks and the clinical users
of these therapeutic products. As these guidelines were originally and
primarily designed to provide information on quality assurance, some
emphasis is to be expected on this aspect including the selection of
donors, the control of laboratory reagents and competency testing of
staff carrying out the procedures necessary for the safe preparation,
selection and transfusion of blood and its components.
This recommendation covers all of the components of blood which
will be prepared at a routine blood transfusion establishment. It does
not cover plasma products obtained by fractionation. In respect of
plasma-derived products, technical matters are addressed by the
European Pharmacopoeia whilst the European Union has a substantial
body of legislation regarding pharmaceutical products including
plasma-derived products.
On 27 January 2003, the European Union adopted Directive 2002/98/EC
on setting standards of quality and safety for the collection, testing,
processing, storage and distribution of human blood and blood
components. As regards technical requirements to be set under
Article 29 of the said Directive, the European Commission and the
Council of Europe work closely together to ensure that these
requirements are compatible with the ones described in the Guide.
45
Whereas blood establishments in EU member states are

required to comply with legislation derived from the European
Commission Directives, this Guide is intended to facilitate ongoing
improvements on the preparation, use and quality assurance of blood
components through education and the provision of non-binding
recommendations. These may differ in some respects from those
contained in the European Commission Directives.
The Council of Europe wishes to express its gratitude to the European
Commission which contributed a substantial amount of information
to the revised Chapter on Haemovigilance by giving its approval to use
information from the “Feasibility project on the establishment of a
Haemovigilance Network in the European Community”3.
This Guide provides information and additional guidance on best
practices consistent with current scientific understanding and expert
opinion. At any given time, implementation of these recommendations
may vary among member states and individual blood establishments,
and alternative procedures, practices and standards may be in place.
It is inevitable, even in the best facilities that some materials will fail
some of the tests, and a strict protocol should be drawn up showing
action to be taken in such an eventuality. It is essential that all staff in
a blood transfusion service be trained to accept quality assurance as a
welcome and necessary part of everyday work. It is useful to cultivate a
positive attitude towards the detection and correction of errors though
the emphasis is on the prevention of problems in the production
of blood components. A scheme of rotation of junior staff between
routine departments and the quality assurance department may help to
foster such an attitude.
Due to the fact that the Council of Europe publishes a Guide on safety
and quality assurance for organs, tissues and cells (now in its third
edition) any reference to haematopoietic progenitor cells was deleted
from this Guide (on the preparation, use and quality assurance of
blood components).
3 Carried out by the HAEMAN Consortium for the European Commission under
Contract SOC 96 201709 05F01 (96PRVF1-036-0).
46
PRINCIPLES
48
Chapter 1
Principles of a quality system for blood

establishments
Paragraph 1. Overview
Introduction
The specific requirements for a blood establishment quality system
are identified in the Standards section of this Guide. This Principles
section aims to provide advice and recommendations that might
assist blood establishments to maintain and develop effective quality
systems.
Quality is the responsibility of all persons involved in the processes of
the blood establishments. Management is responsible for a systematic
approach towards quality and the implementation and maintenance of
a quality management system.
The quality assurance function should be involved in all quality-
related matters and review and approve all appropriate quality related
documents.
Paragraph 2. Personnel and organisation

An effective quality system requires a number of key personnel
including:
• Responsible Person;
49
• Processing or Operations Manager;

• Quality Assurance Manager.
The Responsible Person should have appropriate qualifications.
The Quality Assurance Manager and Processing or Operations

Manager should be different individuals, functioning independently.
The Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that there

are appropriate systems and protocols in place for the safe and secure
release of all materials, equipment, reagents and blood and blood
components.
Delegation of responsibilities should only be given to individuals who

have been trained for the task. Delegation should be in written form
and be reviewed on a regular basis.
Paragraph 3. General requirements for premises,

including mobile sites
The workflow in an area should be arranged in a logical sequence to
minimise the risk of errors.
A working area should not be used as a passageway.
The area for blood donors should be separated from all processing
areas. The area for donor selection should allow confidential personal
interviews with due regard for donor and personnel safety.
The premises used for the processing of blood components meant
for transfusion in an open process should comply with Good
Manufacturing Practice.
A less stringent environment may be acceptable if combined with
additional safety measures, such as preparing the blood component
within a specific time before transfusion or immediately after
processing applying storage conditions that are unfavourable to
bacterial growth, specific hygienic procedures, selected and specially
trained personnel, etc.
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Principles. Chapter 1
Personnel performing open processing should wear appropriate

clothing and should receive regular training in aseptic manipulations.
Aseptic processing should be validated and performed in areas
validated for that purpose.
Laboratory areas should be separated from the processing areas.
Ancillary areas should be separated from other areas.
Washing and toilet facilities and, if required, facilities for changing
should be adequate.
Paragraph 4. Documentation
General
Procedures should be designed, developed, validated and personnel
trained in a consistent manner.
The documentation should allow all steps and all data to be checked.
All documentation should be traceable and reliable. It should include a
distribution list.
Computerised systems
There should be procedures for each type of software and hardware,
detailing the action to be taken when malfunctions or failures occur.
The purpose of user testing is to demonstrate that the system is
correctly performing all its specified functions in its real world
environment. Testing should be part of system installation. Testing also
should be performed after any system modifications to ensure that the
changes did not cause any unintended results. Testing should follow a
written plan based on an expert assessment of the risks inherent in the
system and their potential impact on the quality of blood components.
Maintenance activities apply to all elements of the system including
hardware, software, peripheral devices, standard operating procedures
and training. Maintenance activities include prevention, emergency
management and quality assurance audits. At a minimum:
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• The vendor’s recommendations should be followed for periodic use

of utility and diagnostic software programs to test system integrity.
• All changes to documents should be acted upon promptly and
should be reviewed, dated and signed by an authorised person.
Paragraph 5. Storage
There should be a system in place to maintain and control the
storage of blood components during their shelf life, including any
transportation that may be required. Temperature and hygienic
conditions should be continuously monitored. Warning systems
should be used where applicable. Autologous blood and blood
components should be stored separately.
Paragraph 6. Self inspection, audits and improvement

Inter-institutional audits should be actively promoted.
External inspections and audits by approved and competent authorities
are necessary.
Preventive and corrective actions should be documented and assessed
for effectiveness after implementation.
The management of a Blood Establishment should demonstrate a
commitment towards continuous quality improvement. Input for this
process can come from various sources such as complaints, errors,
inspections, audits and suggestions.
Paragraph 7. Validation and qualification

This Paragraph describes the general principles of validation and
qualification which are applicable to systems, processes, storage and
distribution of human blood and blood components.
Validation policy
A risk assessment approach should be used to determine the scope and
extent of validation.
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Planning for validation

All validation activities should be planned. The key elements of a
validation programme should be clearly defined in a validation master
plan. The plan should also include a summary document which is
brief, concise and clear. The plan should contain data on at least the
following:
i. validation policy;
ii. organisational structure of validation activities;
iii. summary of facilities, systems, equipment and processes to be
validated;
iv. documentation format;
v. planning and scheduling;
vi. change control.
Documentation
A written plan and/or protocol should be established that specifies how
validation and qualification will be conducted. The protocol should
specify critical steps and acceptance criteria. The protocol should be
reviewed and approved. A report that cross-references the qualification
and/or validation protocol should be prepared, summarising the
results obtained, commenting on any deviations observed, and
drawing necessary conclusions, including recommending changes
necessary to correct deficiencies. Any changes to the plan as defined in
the protocol should be documented with appropriate justification.
Validation process
Validation should start when the decision is made to implement new
processes, facilities, systems, equipment or tests. Change to an existing
process should also initiate validation as part of the change control
procedure.
The first steps involve the identification of the requirements for
the procedure or process and documenting these specifications.
53
Performing risk assessments at various stages will help define

requirements and alternatives, aid the supplier selection process,
help determine the scope and extent of validation and determine any
mitigation steps.
Equipment shall be selected to minimise any hazard to donors,
personnel, or blood components. Only reagents and materials from
approved suppliers that meet the documented requirements and
specifications shall be used.
The strategy for validation will depend on the scope of the validation
and the degree of risks involved in the implementation. It is mainly
based on the different elements identified in the risk assessment and
documents provided by the supplier.
Validation tasks that have to be performed when validating new
facilities, systems or equipment can be classified to the following
qualifications:
• Design qualification (DQ) is the first qualification element. It is the
documented verification that the proposed design is suitable for the
intended purpose.
• Installation qualification (IQ) is the documented verification that
the facilities, systems and equipment, as installed and modified,
comply with the approved design and the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
• Operational qualification (OQ) is the documented verification that
the facilities, systems and equipment, as installed and modified,
perform as intended throughout the anticipated operation ranges.
• Performance qualification (PQ) is the documented verification
that the facilities, systems and equipment, as connected
together, can perform effectively and reproducibly, based
on the approved process method and product specification.
It is desirable to establish the degree to which products in a
controlled manufacturing environment are expected to meet their
specifications by pre-defining the percent of expected product
54
conformance within statistically-defined confidence limits. These

product specifications will then provide baseline level for quality
control during actual production.
All results and documentation generated are reviewed upon
completion of the validation process. The review should confirm that:
• documentation is complete;
• the qualifications prove, with a high degree of assurance, that the
system will consistently meet its acceptance criteria; including
percent conformance to pre-defined product specifications within
pre-established confidence limits;
• any non-conformance was addressed through problem resolution;
• training requirements have been met;
• written procedures for operation, calibration, maintenance, etc. are
in place;
• business continuity plans are in place;
• validation activities are approved by the person responsible for
quality management.
Change control
Some changes may require notification to, or license amendment, from
regulatory agencies.
Validation state maintenance
All processes, facilities, systems, equipment and laboratory tests should
be constantly monitored and periodically evaluated to confirm that
they remain valid. The following items are essential to maintaining the
validated state:
• calibration and monitoring;
• preventive maintenance;
• training and competency;
• supplier re-qualification;
• periodic review;
55
• performance monitoring;
• system retirement.
Operational change control, document control and quality control
procedures support the maintenance of the validated state.
Paragraph 8. Control of equipment

Introduction
Documented systems for equipment purchase should be available.
These should identify the specific requirements for setting and
review of contracts for supply of both equipment and materials. The
contracting process should include:
• checks prior to awarding the contract to help ensure suppliers meet
the organisation needs;
• appropriate checks on received goods to confirm they meet
specifications;
• the requirement for manufacturers to provide a certificate of
analysis for critical material;
• checks to ensure that goods in use continue to meet specification;
• regular contact with suppliers to help understand and resolve
problems;
• performance of regular audits.
Assessment of the performance of blood transfusion equipment should
occur in the following situations:
• on commissioning of new equipment, which must include
full validation data by the manufacturer, design, installation,
operational and performance qualification;
• after any relocation, repairs or adjustments which may potentially
alter the function of the equipment. Consideration should be
given to the quality, safety and efficacy of any blood components
processed before the repair or adjustment;
• if ever a doubt arises that a machine is not functioning properly.
56
The laboratory environment

The laboratory should be designed to provide a comfortable working
environment for the laboratory staff and this must also comply with
health and safety regulations. Benches as well as floor, ceiling and walls
should be designed and constructed to be easy to clean. In addition, to
the control of temperature and humidity, excess noise must be avoided by
the removal to a separate site of all excessively noisy pieces of equipment.
Volatile and toxic materials must be handled in appropriate exhaust cabinets
to avoid atmospheric pollution. A temperature monitoring device should
be installed and regularly checked by quality control personnel.
Implementation and validation of new equipment
Equipment should be selected to minimise any hazard to donors,
personnel, or blood components. All collection, processing and testing
equipment should be designed, qualified and maintained to suit its
intended purpose. All equipment and technical devices should be used
in accordance with validated procedures.
The extent of validation depends on the criticality and complexity of
the equipment or system. For equipment such as automatic pipettes,
centrifuges, balances and refrigerators it may be sufficient to perform
installation qualification and calibration. More complex equipment
that is critical for the process needs a more thorough qualification (e.g.
measuring devices used in laboratory testing). For complex automated
systems a holistic approach should be used i.e. an inclusive validation
of the instrument(s) and the associated operation(s) and the software
involved should be performed.
All qualification steps and results should be documented and approved
before routine use of the equipment or system. Typical items included
in an equipment qualification are listed in the following:
Installation qualification (IQ)
• installation of equipment checked to specifications, engineering
drawings, etc.;
• power and grounding verification (wiring, utilities, UPS, etc.);
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• collection and collation of supplier operating and working instruc-

tions and maintenance requirements (including spare parts list);
• safety requirements;
• calibration requirements;
• hardware and software installation, backup and interface connections;
• environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity).
Operational qualification (OQ)

• Operational parameters and checks;
• tests that have been developed from knowledge of the equipment
and its use;
• tests to include a condition or a set of conditions encompassing
upper and lower limits, sometimes referred to as “worst case
conditions”;
• data integrity and security, backup and recovery, generation of
reports (if relevant);
• calibration;
• operating procedures for use, calibration and maintenance;
• operator training.
Performance qualification (PQ)

• tests, using actual components, laboratory test methods, samples,
materials, etc., that have been developed from knowledge of the
process, systems and equipment and designed to represent the
normal use of the system;
• tests for repeatability when different trained operators are involved;
• tests to include a condition or set of conditions encompassing
upper and lower operating limits.
Based on the results of these activities monitoring, calibration and
maintenance programs should be established to maintain the system in
the validated state.
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Maintenance of validation status

It is necessary to establish a mechanism for assuring the adequacy
of the calibration and monitoring programmes and ensuring that
qualified personnel are available for its implementation. A calibration
and monitoring plan should be used to define the requirements for
establishing and implementing a calibration programme that includes
the frequency of monitoring.
Trending and analysis of calibration and monitoring results should
be a continuous process. Calibration and monitoring intervals should
be determined for each item of equipment to achieve and maintain a
desired level of accuracy and quality. The calibration and monitoring
procedure should be traceable to a recognised international standard.
The calibration status of all equipment that requires calibration should
be readily available.
To ensure proper performance of a system or equipment a monitoring
plan should be developed and implemented. The plan should take into
account the criticality of the system or equipment, outline monitoring,
user notification and problem resolution mechanisms. If an unusual
event is observed, personnel should follow standard response
described in the monitoring plan. The standard response should
involve notifying affected personnel and possibly initiating a resolution
to the problem and risk assessment of the affected blood components.
Depending on the severity of the problem and the criticality of the
system or equipment, a backup plan may need to be implemented to
keep the process or system operating.
In addition to testing that evaluates the correctness of the implemented
changes sufficient validation should be conducted on the entire system
to demonstrate that portions of the system not involved in the change
were not adversely impacted.
The training programme should be reassessed for any critical change
in environment, equipment or process. Training records, including
plans and protocols of the training status, must ensure that training
59
needs are properly identified, planned, delivered and documented for

maintenance of validated systems and equipment.
The ability of a supplier to maintain its activities related to a system

or equipment has to be re-qualified on a regular basis, notably
to anticipate weaknesses in services or to manage changes in the
system, equipment or supplier. The periodicity and the detail of
the re-qualification process depend on the level of risk from using
the system or equipment and should be planned for every supplier
concerned.
A periodic review process should be established to assure that the

system or equipment documentation is complete, current and accurate.
A report of the review process should be produced. When deviations
or problems are found actions should be identified, prioritised and
planned.
Control of equipment
The Table below lists some of the equipment used routinely in blood
transfusion practice and the minimum requirements for their control.
Other items of equipment, for example automated blood grouping
machines, automated blood processing systems, etc. require the design
of specific quality control procedures.
Frequency
Equipment Method of control
of control
Continuous temperature
Blood bag refrigerator, recording plus independent
cold room, Freezer audible and visual alarm for daily
containing transfusates appropriate high and low
temperature parameters
Laboratory refrigerator, (a) Thermometer daily
Laboratory freezer,
incubators, water baths (b) Precision thermometer every 6 months
60
Frequency
Equipment Method of control
of control
Precision RPM meter plus
at least once a
stopwatch to control speed,
Blood bag centrifuge year
acceleration and retardation
Temperature daily
RPM meter plus stopwatch to
Table centrifuge control speed, acceleration and occasionally
retardation
Antiglobulin test
Anti-RhD sensitised cells every run
automatic washer
Calibration standard Hb quality
Haemoglobin
control daily
photometer
Sample
Calibration: reference sample.
Cell counters daily
Drift: working standard
at least once a
Automatic pipettes Dye- or isotope-labelled protein
year
Analytical-control
every 6 months
Weights 5 mg – 100 g
Balance or after each
Preparative control weights
location change
100 mg – 100 g
pH meter Control solutions pH 4-7, 7-10 each time of use
Thermometer daily
Platelet agitator
Frequency of agitation monthly
Air pressure meter daily
Laminar flow hood and
sterile area filters Particle counter tri-monthly
Bacteriological plates monthly
Blood mixer (swing) Control weighing and mixing bi-monthly
Spring balance for bags Control weighing monthly
Test and visual examination
Sterile connecting
Standardised tensile strength or every 6 months
device
pressure test
In the absence of a validated
Blood transport transport system, minimum/ every time of
container maximum thermometer or a use (on receipt)
temperature recording device
61
Monitoring of results
The results of tests obtained from equipment should be reviewed to
ensure reproducibility. A check of reproducibility is based on two
principal concepts:
a. the determination of accuracy of the equipment by the testing of a
reference standard;
b. the determination of the drift occurring during the routine day by
testing of working standards at intervals.
Since examination of reproducibility usually implies that the test
concerned is quantitative in nature, it follows that numerical values
can be obtained for each type of control applied. Graphic plotting of
the results of tests for accuracy and drift should be carried out so that
a gradual deterioration in performance can be quickly identified and
corrected.
Where a numerical value cannot be ascribed to the result of quality
control tests, reproducibility can best be assessed by the inclusion in
the schedule of testing of appropriate strong and weak positive controls
at regular intervals.
Proper education of the personnel using blood transfusion laboratory
equipment is essential. The staff must know not only how the control
tests are to be done, but why they must be done, and they should be
fully instructed not only in the performance of quality control tests
but in the rapid detection of departures from the norm. In almost
every case, normal functioning of the machine is defined by the
manufacturer and confirmed at assessment on installation. Meticulous
charting of quality control results preferably combined with statistical
process controls will be the best methods of quick recognition of
deterioration in function.
Paragraph 9. Record keeping

International rules and national laws on data protection have to be
taken into consideration.
62
With records of results of quality control procedures a distinction

should be made between records of results which may require prompt
or almost immediate correction, and records of results which can only
be evaluated statistically or by summing up over a certain period.
Examples of the former are given throughout the Guide. Most typical
examples are those where a quality control procedure is prescribed for
each unit of a blood component or for each laboratory procedure.
Examples of the latter records (summary records) are given below. The
director of the transfusion service or a specially designated person
should evaluate statistical variations from the usual pattern or from
given normal values. Evaluation may take place monthly or quarterly,
and annually.
• Rejection or deferral of blood donors (numbers, reasons).
• Donor reactions (numbers, gender, age, reaction category).
• Unsatisfactory donations (numbers, category).
• Positive tests for infectious markers (numbers, specific, false).
• Discarded units of blood and blood components (numbers, categories,
reasons).
• Outdating of units of blood and blood components (for each cate-
gory, the outdating as a percentage of the number of usable units).
• Transfusion complications (numbers, category) including
transfusion transmitted infection.
• External complaints (number, origin, category).
• Clerical errors (numbers, category).
There are a number of other records which are important in
transfusion centres but which do not deal directly with quality control.
Examples are: routine working documents, blood group documents
for patients and donors, the proportion of cross-matched units to
used (transfused) units of blood components, statistics of issue and
return of blood units, etc. Many of these records are mainly used for
administrative or organisational purposes.
63
Specific consideration must be given to the ability to determine rapidly:

• each patient’s history of transfusion including the reason for
transfusion and the record of all components;
• the identity of the donors;
• each donor’s history of donation;
• the final disposition (including the identity of the recipient) of all
components from every donation.
Records of quality control procedures must include identification
of the person(s) performing the tests or procedures. Any corrective
action taken must also be recorded. If corrections in records are
necessary, the original recording must not be obliterated, but must
remain legible.
The manual entry of critical data such as laboratory tests results should
require independent verification by a second authorised person.
Records of quality control procedures should be signed by the supervisor.
It is considered that the retention period should be at least fifteen years.
Retention of samples
Retention of donor samples for a period of time may provide useful
information. The provision of such systems is contingent on the
availability of adequate human and financial resources.
Paragraph 10. Data processing systems

Introduction
Electronic data processing systems are used extensively in blood
establishments and hospital blood banks (referred to as the “user”
in Paragraph 10). These systems are used as tools for operational
control and decision-making. In addition they support information
management and storage of information in order to ensure
documentation and full traceability. Because these functions are
64
critical to product quality, these systems must be fully validated4,5,6, to

ensure that they meet predetermined specifications for their functions,
that they correctly preserve data integrity, and that their use is properly
integrated into the user’s operating procedures.
The developers of computer systems used in blood establishments and
hospital blood banks should follow established principles of software
engineering design to develop, document and validate all source
codes. Therefore, quality certification (e.g. ISO) of suppliers/vendors/
developers of information systems will be beneficial. Additional
validation by the user, at a minimum, should include provision of a
written description of the system elements and their functions, and
on-line performance testing of the system under at least limiting and
boundary conditions. A record should be kept of the validation testing.
Planning of a system
There are a variety of computer systems and software programs avai-
lable and each has different functions. Prior to purchase, the user should:
a. establish a list of requirements that will meet the needs of the user
including the duration of record keeping (in general 15 years in EU
member states) and the duration of data keeping for traceability
(30 years are required by EU Directive 2002/98/EC);
b. evaluate the different computer systems and choose the one that
will meet the established requirements;
c. audit the developer/manufacturer to ensure they are able to provide
a product that meets regulatory requirements;
d. establish responsibility between the user and the developer/supplier/
manufacturer, to define roles and responsibilities with regard to
4 ISBT guidelines for validation of automated systems in blood establishments, Vox

Sanguinis (2010),98;Suppl.1.
5 ISBT guidelines for information security in transfusion medicine, Vox Sanguinis
(2009),91;Suppl.1,s1-23.
6 ISBT guidelines for validation and maintaining the validation state of automated
systems in blood banking, Vox Sanguinis (2003),85;Suppl.1,s1-14.
65
testing, user instructions, maintenance, system improvements and

access to source codes.
These steps ensure that the user has all the necessary information
about the purchased system and has an established relationship with
the developer. This course of action also minimises the need for
“work-around” by the user, which can be a source of error.
Defining the system

A blood establishment’s or hospital blood bank’s computerised system
includes: hardware, software, peripheral devices, and documentation
(e.g. manuals and Standard Operating Procedures). To define the
system, the user, in co-operation with the vendor or developer,
should generate a written description of the system, the functions
that it is designed to perform and all human interactions. The
documentation should be current, effectively updated, accurate and
as detailed as necessary to ensure proper operation of the system. The
documentation should include:
a. a detailed specification (inventory) of the hardware, software and
peripheral devices, including their environmental requirements and
limitations;
b. diagrams or flow charts of the system’s operations describing all
component interfaces, network diagram (if applicable) and all
database structures, e.g. file sizes, input and output formats, etc.;
c. standard operating procedures (SOPs) describing how the system
is used. The user should develop the SOPs based on the user
instructions from the software developer and the user’s internal
procedure. In particular, SOPs should address all manual and
automated interactions with the system including:
i. routine backup, maintenance and diagnostic procedures,
including assignment of responsibilities;
ii. “work arounds” for system limitations;
iii. procedures for handling errors, including assignment of
responsibilities;
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iv. procedures for handling disasters and contingency planning,

including assignment of responsibilities;
v. procedures for supervisory change of incorrect data;
vi. procedures for validation of a change;
d. a training system including training manuals, documentation and

procedures for training.
Implementation and validation

The provisions of Paragraph 8 on implementation and validation of
new equipment should be taken into account.
Validation documents and results of tests performed and approved by the

supplier/vendor/developer of the system should be presented to the user.
The user then performs tests according to a predefined written test plan.
The types of risk to consider include inadequate system design, errors that
may occur in use (user error or system defects), and loss or compromise
of data. Testing should involve the whole system, in the manner it is
expected to perform in the blood centre. Testing may be performed by
a third party, but shall then also include blood establishment personnel.
The following types of basic testing should be conducted:
a. Functional testing of components

The system components are presented with all types of expected
interaction including normal value, boundary, invalid and special
case inputs. The system shall produce the correct outputs, including
error messages by control programs. It is useful to perform this
testing in parallel with a reference or standard system.
Each test case should include the input, expected output, acceptance
criteria and whether the test passed or failed. For traceability
purposes and to facilitate quality assurance review and follow-up, it
is recommended that any supporting documentation, such as print-
screens, be included to verify the specific test case.
67
b. Data migration
The process for data migration should be defined, documented
and appropriately tested. This should ensure full maintenance of
traceability including archiving of data where necessary.
c. Environmental testing
All qualification steps and results should be documented and
approved before routine use of the system (Paragraph 8).
In the actual operating environment, functional tests are performed to
demonstrate that:
a. the software systems work properly with the hardware;
b. all applications of the software perform properly with the operating
system software;
c. proper information passes correctly through system interfaces,
including appropriate data transfer to or from other laboratory and
automated (e.g. apheresis machine) systems, if applicable;
d. accessories, such as barcode scanners, perform as expected with the
blood centre’s barcode symbols;
e. printed reports are formatted correctly and appropriately;
f. personnel are trained and use the system correctly;
g. the system performs properly at peak production times and with
the maximum number of concurrent users;
h. backups restore data in a correct way;
i. if system includes wireless radio frequency (RF) technology, it should
be evaluated for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electro-
magnetic interference (EMI) in the setting in which it will be used.
Change control
In case of changes in the software, the validation status needs to
be re-established. If a revalidation analysis is needed, it should be
risk assessment based and conducted not only for validation of the
68
individual change, but furthermore to determine the extent and impact

of that change on the entire computerised system.
Maintenance of the system
The database should be checked periodically and systematically to
identify and remove unwanted data such as duplicate records, and
to ensure that data entries are accurate and properly stored. Manual
entry of critical data requires independent verification by a second
authorised person.
Security of the database should be maintained by:
• an adequate change history of the system; including software and
hardware (when necessary);
• periodically rearranging electronic passwords (without re-use) and
by removing unnecessary or outdated access;
• creating records of all data changes, i.e. an audit trail, including a
retained record of the previous data and the reason for the change;
• the appropriate use of programs to detect and remove computer
viruses;
• the control of administrative security access to ensure that only
authorised personnel can make changes to the software, to the
system configuration, and to the data;
• regular testing to verify the proper integrity and accuracy of backed
up data.
Data should be archived periodically using a long-term stable medium,
and placed “off-site” at another location than the hardware, to ensure
safety. Such archives should be challenged at least annually to verify
data retrieval.
Procedures should be defined for:
• investigation and correction of discrepancies in the database;
• corrective actions to be taken when validation testing yields
unexpected results;
69
• handling, reporting, documenting and if needed correcting real-

time problems, errors and alarms;
• manual operations (contingency plan) in the event of any system
outage (even partial).
Quality assurance
The quality assurance programme should exercise oversight of the
electronic data processing systems that affect product quality. At a
minimum, such oversight should include:
a. assuring the ongoing accuracy and completeness of all documen-
tation on equipment, software maintenance, and operator training;
b. performing audits periodically to verify proper accomplishment
of all performance tests, routine maintenance, change procedures,
data integrity checks, error investigations, and operator competency
evaluations.
Paragraph 11. Statistical process control

Introduction
Statistical Process Control (SPC) is a tool which enables an organi-
sation to detect change in the process and procedures which it carries
out, monitoring collected data over a period of time in a standardised
fashion. SPC became mandatory in 2005 for blood establishments in
the EU (Directive 2004/33/EC), and has been implemented in other
industries. Consequently, methods and standards for application of
SPC to quality assurance of blood components should be further
developed. The technique can be applied to all activities in a blood
centre, administrative and clerical as well as scientific and technical.
It is important to prioritise the processes to which it will be applied
due to the amount of work involved. The most valuable uses currently
would be in monitoring the performance of testing of infectious
markers and leucocyte depletion. SPC is one of the few methods by
which it can be shown that an improvement to a process has achieved
the desired result, and enables decision-making to be placed on a
much more rational and scientific basis.
70
Feedback to the staff on their performance is essential for continuing

quality.
Implementation of SPC
Alongside all other aspects of quality, implementation of SPC demands
understanding and commitment on the part of the management of
the centre. It must be included in the Quality Policy of the centre, and
a training programme introduced for senior management as well as
operational staff. Plans must be made for data collection, including of
charts, and all matters dealing with changes detected in the process,
especially sudden “out-of-control” situations. Regular review of
processes against charted data should take place, with the specific
objective of improvement on a continuous basis.
Strategy for statistical sampling
As far as possible, the number and frequency of components sampled for
quality control and the number of test failures per sample that will trigger
an appropriate response (e.g. investigation, or revalidation of materials
and procedures) should be based on the following considerations:
a. Tolerance of failure
A “target failure rate” should be established as the failure rate that
should not be exceeded. This will assure that monitoring of aspects of
quality is continuous and that a failure rate exceeding target values will
trigger appropriate corrective action.
b. Confidence level
A confidence level should be set for detection of an actual failure rate
which lies above the “target failure rate”.
Determining that the actual failure lies above the “target failure rate”
should be estimated using a valid method of statistical analysis.
Frequency of control sampling
A number of challenges arise in framing statistically based quality
control testing programs for labile blood components. Due to the
complexity of the issues, blood centers should consult statistical
71
experts when designing process control systems. Issues include

the very large variation in volume of production at different blood
establishments, the need to minimize product losses through testing
at small centers, the very low expected rate of non-conformance for
some processes, and the number of discrete conditions that arise in
manufacture of otherwise similar components. These may include:
• number of sites, operators, and work shifts;
• different collection and processing systems and equipment;
• use of multiple reagent lots;
• alternative preparation times and temperatures;
• donor-related variables may affect final product quality even in
a fully-controlled process (e.g. for HbS donor blood with poor
leucofiltration properties);
• products may be used for more than one clinical indication with
different levels of control needed (e.g. Leucoreduced RBC for
neonate vs. for general transfusion).
Additionally, in many cases, the medical basis for currently accepted
quality standards has not been established rigorously, making it
difficult to determine the level of deviation from the expected level
of conformance that can be tolerated. Nevertheless, to implement
statistical process control, the blood establishment needs to establish
the “target rate” of failure that should not be exceeded for each control
test. Additionally, it is desirable that the criterion for non-conformance
should have at least a power of 80% to detect the target rate of failure,
while giving a false positive result in fewer than 5% of determinations.
Consideration also must be given to the strategy for representative
sampling of units for control testing. Because similar components
are prepared under a variety of conditions, it is important that the
sample set should include representative units prepared in all possible
ways. Sampling may need to be stratified accordingly (i.e. to include a
minimum number of samples from each condition.) Sample numbers
specified for statistically valid process control are minimum samples.
In circumstances where there are multiple manufacturing conditions,
72
and in blood establishments with large volumes of production, quality

control testing should be increased above the statistically determined
minimum. This should be done in a controlled manner through the
application of more rigorous statistical parameters, such as an increase in
the expected proportion of samples that conform to a defined standard.
Additional considerations that may apply to the design of a quality

control strategy include:
a. the public health importance of the standard being controlled
(i. e. the period of time during which a process deviation could be
tolerated prior to detection and correction);
b. the overall production volume;
c. the sampling and quality control testing capacity of the facility;
including whether the quality control testing is ablative (i.e.
destructive of the manufactured product);
d. the target failure rate of a process that is in control;
e. a pre-defined strategy for managing non-process failures, e.g. a
failed leucocyte depletion procedure where further evaluation
determined that the donor was HbS positive.
Three methods of statistical process control are provided below as
examples.7
Example 1
Use of control charts
By plotting historical and prospective data on specially constructed
charts, signs of process change can often be detected at an early stage,
enabling remedial action to be taken. Steps for the construction of SPC
charts are the same for all applications:
• collection of historical data;
• calculation of “location and variation statistics” (see below);
7 Beckman N, Nightingale MJ, Pamphilon D. Practical guidelines for applying statis-

tical process control to blood component production. Transfus. Med. 2009;19:329-39.
73
• calculation of statistical control limits for the location and variation

statistics;
• constructions of the chart;
• plotting of prospective data.
Two types of data are conventionally collected:
• variable data, appropriate to anything which is measured directly
such as cell count, pH, time taken for a process, etc.;
• attribute data, appropriate to anything which is counted on a
“yes or no” basis.
The type of SPC chart used depends on the type of data collected.
Control charts for variable data

The major applications in a blood centre are likely to be Individual/
Moving Range charts, and Average/Range charts.
1. Individual/Moving Range charts are used where a process
is monitored by a single measurement on the sample, of the
parameter in question e.g. residual leucocyte count on a platelet
preparation. The steps for constructing an SPC chart are as follows:
• Historical data are collected by measuring a random sample
each day, and the moving range established by taking the
difference between each sample and its predecessor.
• The location statistic is the average of the individual counts; the
variation statistic is the average moving range.
• The natural variation in a process has been defined as the
process average plus or minus 3 standard deviations. Hence the
Upper Control Limit (UCL) and Lower Control Limit (LCL) for
the location statistic and variation statistics are determined as
the appropriate average plus and minus 3 standard deviations.
• The SPC chart conventionally has 2 distinct parts: 1 for the
location statistic which appears above the other for the variation
statistic. For each, the average is drawn as a solid line between
2 dotted lines signifying the UCL and LCL.
74
Prospective data are plotted on the charts in a similar way.

2. Average/Range charts are used in a situation where an early
statistical response to a small process change is required, and where
multiple control samples (up to 10) are subjected to the process.
A typical example might be the repeated use of a control sample
during the daily use of a cytometer. In this situation, the average
daily count on the control sample will be calculated, the location
statistic being the average of the average. Each day will show a
range in the control counts; the variation statistic is the average
of these ranges. The Average/Range chart is then constructed in a
similar manner to the Individual/Moving Range chart, except that
the LCL for the Range part of the chart is, by definition, zero.
Control charts for attribute data
Attribute data will, in general, fall into 1 of 2 groups – those counting
the number of units sampled which are defective, and those counting
the incidence of non–conformance to a requirement, each non-
conformance in this latter case being classified as a defect. For example,
a completed form will be classified as defective if it contains even 1 non-
conformance, even though it may in fact contain multiple defects.
1. Attribute charts for proportion of defective units (sometimes
known as p-charts) are based on the calculation of the proportion of
units found to be defective, i.e. 1 or more defects per unit sampled –
in sets of units sampled at intervals. The location statistic for the
attribute is calculated by dividing the total number of defectives by
the total number of units sampled, unless the sets of samples are
always the same size in which case the average of the proportion
defective in each set may be taken. Since the data stem from yes/no
criteria, attribute charts do not have a variation statistic.
UCL and LCL are determined as before. In this system it is possible to
arrive at a negative value for the LCL, in which case it defaults to zero.
It should be noted that the calculation of standard deviation in a
yes/no system such as this depends on the sample size, so that an
75
increase or decrease in the set of units sampled will necessitate

resetting of the UCL and LCL. An increase in sampling size will
generally result in convergence of UCL and LCL, making the
system more sensitive to change in the process.
Construction of the chart is carried out as above.
2. Attribute charts for defects (sometimes known as u-charts) are
generally useful when the object under investigation often has
more than 1 non-conformance with requirements. They thus lend
themselves well to the control of clerical procedures. Collection of
historical data involves counting the number of defects in each unit
of a set of samples, repeated at intervals.
The location statistic is the average number of defects per unit, cal-
culated by dividing the total number of defects in the total number
of historical samples. As before, there is no variation statistic for
attribute data.
Once again, UCL and LCL is calculated on the basis of the loca-
tion statistic plus and minus 3 standard deviations. Standard
deviation in this system will again depend on sample size, and any
prospective increase will require resetting of UCL and LCL.
The likely result will be a convergence on the average, facilitating
the detection of smaller changes in the process.
Construction of the u-chart follows the convention set for all SPC
charts.
Interpretation of control charts
In general, when plotting prospective data on the control chart follows
the pattern established by the use of historical data in its construction,
the process may be assumed to be “in control”. Changes in the pattern
form a reliable and sensitive means of detecting that change has taken
place in the process, warranting investigations into the cause. Rules
have been established to give guidance to users as to when change has
occurred, those usually employed being:
76
• Rule 1: Any point outside one of the control limits.

• Rule 2: Seven consecutive points all above or all below the average
line.
• Rule 3: Seven consecutive points all increasing or all decreasing (a
particular indicator of drift in the process average or range).
In addition, any unusual pattern or trend within the control lines may
be an indicator of change.
Should information from the charts indicate that unplanned change
is taking place within the process, action should be taken to identify
any specific or common cause of the change. Application of SPC is
the most reliable way of confirming that measures taken to improve
the efficiency of a process are giving the desired results, by showing
reduction in variation around the mean (for measured data) or a trend
toward zero defects (for counted data).
Example 2
Method of scan statistics
The method of scan statistics provides 1 suitable model for determining
the frequency of control testing.8 In this method, the number of non-
conforming test results in a fixed sample size is determined. However,
the sample set is regarded as a “window” of observations that “moves”
progressively as test results are accumulated. For example, if the
“window size” were set at 60 observations, the first test set would
include observations 1 through 60. The second test set would include
observations 2 through 61; the third test set would include observations
three through 62, etc. (Progression of the “window” can also be done a
few samples at a time, such as by addition of daily test results as a group.)
To apply this method, the blood centre must identify a reasonably large
“universe” of ultimate test samples, typically representing a year or more
of testing, or a period after which routine re-validation might be expected
8 Glaz, J., Naus, J., Wallenstein, S. Scan Statistics, New York 2001: Springer.
77
to occur because of process modifications (e.g. equipment replacement,

software upgrades, etc.) The size of the moving “window” can then be
determined based on the expected rate of failed tests for a conforming
process (as defined in the Quality Control Tables of each chapter), the size of
the test “universe,” and the “target rate” of failure to be detected as indicating
a non-conforming process. The Table hereafter shows the minimum
failure rate that can be detected at 80% or greater power in any single
“window” of control tests for test criteria with false positive rates below 5%.
Requiring that the number of control tests in the “window” should take
place in the desired time interval yields the frequency of control testing.
The following example illustrates how the method of scan statistics can
be used.
A blood centre seeks to monitor the failure rate of leucocyte reduction.

The expected failure rate (rate of non-conforming tests for a confor-
ming process) is taken to be 0.1%. The centre sets an action trigger
at 5% as a means to detect a defective lot of filters. The quality control
standard is set to assure, with at least 80% confidence, that a true
failure rate of 5% would be detected, but at a false-positive rate below
5% for declaration of non-conformance.
For a blood centre with 400 QC tests per year (approximately 34 per
month), a non-conforming process can be declared if in any “moving
window” of 60 consecutive QC tests, 2 or more non-conforming test
results are found (i.e. the “trigger” is greater than 1 non-conforming
test in any window of 60 tests.). This model has a power of 80.8% to
detect a true rate of non-conformance of 5% in any window of 60 tests,
and near certainty to detect this rate over 1 year. Based on scan
statistics, the false-positive rate of such declarations is only 2.0%.
If the number of QC tests is 1200 per year (100 per month), a non-
conforming process can be declared if in any “moving window” of
120 sequential QC tests, 3 or more non-conforming test results are found.
The false-positive rate of such declarations is only 0.7%. The power is
80.7% to detect a non-conformance rate of 4.6% (power is 85.6% to detect a
5% failure rate) for any window of 120 tests, and near certainty over 1 year.
78
Sample size (“window”) and maximum number of failed tests

allowed for a conforming process based on scan statistics
Sample size (i.e. the fixed number Minimum failure rate of a

(e.g. the number of tests per year)
Number of tests in “universe”
of tests in a moving “window”) non-conforming process
Maximum allowed number

for a conforming process
of failed tests in window

detectable at > 80% power
Allowed failure rate
False positive rate

in any single “window”
of test criterion
window of QC tests
a non-conforming
rate” of failure for
Minimum “target
non-conforming
Power to detect
process in any
30 16 2.5% process
63% 81.9%
400
60 26 2.9% 50% 81.7%
25%
30 17 2.0% 66% 81.3%
1200
60 27 3.8% 52% 83.0%
30 9 3.5% 40% 82.4%
400
10% 60 14 2.7% 30% 83.8%
1200 30 10 2.8% 43% 81.1%
30 6 3.7% 29% 81.0%
400
5% 60 9 2.3% 21% 83.7%
1200 30 7 2.2% 33% 82.3%
30 3 1.0% 18% 81.4%
400
1% 60 4 0.9% 11% 80.3%
1200 60 4 2.7% 11% 80.3%
30 1 1.1 % 10% 81.6%
400
60 1 2.0% 5% 80.8%
0.1%
30 1 3.2% 10% 81.6%
1200
120 2 0.7% 4.6% 80.7%
79
Example 3
Statistical process control for dichotomous outcomes:
an approach based upon hypergeometric/binomial
distributions
The hypergeometric distribution is based upon random sampling
(without replacement) of a factor that has a dichotomous outcome.
This distribution is applicable for the assessment of quality control
measures related to blood components for which the outcome is pass/
fail. The binomial distribution is very similar to the hypergeometric,
but is based upon sampling with replacement. At sampling levels n ≥ 59
to meet the 95% criterion, the 2 distributions are essentially identical.
For statistical quality control using the hypergeometric/binomial
approach, a cycle is defined as the production volume that is being
subject to quality assessment within a defined time period. The
appropriate size for a quality control cycle is determined based upon
the desired frequency of control sampling as described above and the
selected proportion of conforming samples.9
Statistical quality control based upon a hypergeometric distribution
is applicable for cycle sizes between n = 30 and n = 450010. Successful
9 For example, 95% conformance (and the resulting high level of quality control
testing) would be appropriate for a safety-related product standard such as residual
leucocytes in a leucoreduced component. However, 75% conformance may be
acceptable for a standard such as components content, where standardization is
desirable, but is not directly related to recipient safety.
10 For a cycle size of 30, greater than 95% conformance would be reflected by at most
nonconforming unit because 29/30 = 96.7% and 28/30 = 93.3%. To define this
conformance statistically, we would need to be able to conclude with 95% confidence
that greater than 95% of the units are conforming (i.e. n = 1 nonconforming
unit for a cycle size of n = 30). Using a null hypothesis that there are at least
2 nonconforming units among these 30 units, the alternative hypothesis would be
that there are less than 2 nonconforming units among these 30 units. Under this null
hypothesis, the probability that the first 22 units are all good is 6.4%, which is calculated as:
80
control requires that pre-determined random sample sizes be assessed

with an outcome of 0, 1, or 2 failures, depending on the cycle size. For
cycle sizes above n = 4500, the hypergeometric distribution approaches
the binomial distribution and the traditional binomial approach
applies, i.e., assessing n = 60 random samples per cycle with an
outcome of zero failures; n = 93 with 1 failure; or n = 124 with 2 failures.
• The Table hereafter provides sizes for random samples across a
range of cycle sizes. With a larger cycle size, 1or 2 occurrences of
non conformance are allowed in conjunction with a larger pre-
specified sample size. For example, if the cycle size is 65 (95%/95%),
there are three options that need to be pre-determined: a sample
size of 34 without any failure, a sample size of 49 with 1 failure, or
a sample size of 59 with 2 failures. If we (i) choose a sample size
of 34 and observe 1 failure, or (ii) choose a sample size of 49 and
observes 2 failures, we still could do 100% QC to make the final
determination whether greater than 95% of the components meet
the standard.
• After the cycle size reaches 7000 for 95%/95% and 13 000 for
95%/75%, the results based the hypergeometric distribution is same
as these based on the binomial distribution.
So the null hypothesis can not be rejected at 5% significance level which corresponds
to “with 95% confidence”.
Under null hypothesis above, the probability that the first 23 units are all good is 4.8%:
So the null hypothesis can be rejected at 5% significance level which corresponds

to “with 95% confidence”. Thus 23 samples without nonconformance are needed to
conclude with 95% confidence that greater than 95% of the units are conforming.
81
82
Sizes of random samples needed at various quality control cycle sizes
to assess 95%, 90% or 75% conformance to a standard with 95% confidence
95% / 95% 95% / 90% 95% / 75%
95% confidence that > 95% of the 95% confidence that > 90% of the 95% confidence that > 75% of the
components meet the standard components meet the standard components meet the standard
Failures Sample size Failures Sample size Failures Sample size
Lot
allowed 1 failure 2 failures allowed 1 failure 2 failures allowed 1 failure 2 failures
size
in lot No failure allowed allowed in lot No failure allowed allowed in lot No failure allowed allowed
30 1 23 30 N/A 2 19 26 30 7 9 13 17
31 1 24 31 N/A 3 16 23 28 7 9 14 18
32 1 25 32 N/A 3 17 24 29 7 9 14 18
33 1 26 33 N/A 3 17 25 30 8 9 13 17
34 1 26 34 N/A 3 18 25 31 8 9 14 18
35 1 27 35 N/A 3 18 26 32 8 9 14 18
36 1 28 36 N/A 3 19 27 33 8 9 15 19
37 1 29 37 N/A 3 19 28 33 9 9 14 18
38 1 30 38 N/A 3 20 28 34 9 9 14 18
39 1 30 39 N/A 3 20 29 35 9 9 15 19
40 1 31 39 N/A 3 21 30 36 9 10 15 19
45 2 28 39 45 4 20 29 36 11 9 14 19
50 2 31 43 50 4 22 33 40 12 9 15 19
55 2 35 48 55 5 21 32 40 13 10 15 20
60 2 38 52 60 5 23 34 43 14 10 16 21
65 3 34 49 59 6 22 33 42 16 10 15 20
70 3 37 52 63 6 24 36 46 17 10 16 20
75 3 39 56 68 7 23 35 44 18 10 16 21
80 3 42 60 72 7 24 37 47 19 10 16 21
85 4 38 56 69 8 23 36 46 21 10 16 21
90 4 40 59 73 8 25 38 49 22 10 16 21
95% / 95% 95% / 90% 95% / 75%
Lot
size
95 4 42 62 77 9 24 37 47 23 10 16 21
100 4 45 65 81 9 25 39 50 24 10 16 22
120 5 47 69 87 11 26 40 52 29 10 17 22
140 6 48 72 92 13 26 41 53 34 11 17 22
160 7 49 75 95 15 27 41 54 39 11 17 22
180 8 50 77 98 17 27 42 55 44 11 17 22
200 9 51 78 101 19 27 42 55 49 11 17 23
220 10 52 79 103 21 27 42 56 54 11 17 23
240 11 52 80 104 23 27 43 56 59 11 17 23
260 12 53 81 106 25 27 43 57 64 11 17 23
280 13 53 82 107 27 28 43 57 69 11 17 23
300 14 54 83 108 29 28 43 57 74 11 17 23
320 15 54 83 109 31 28 44 57 79 11 17 23
340 16 54 84 110 33 28 44 58 84 11 17 23
360 17 54 85 111 35 28 44 58 89 11 17 23
380 18 55 85 111 37 28 44 58 94 11 17 23
400 19 55 85 112 39 28 44 58 99 11 17 23
450 22 54 84 111 44 28 44 59 112 11 17 23
500 24 56 87 114 49 28 44 59 124 11 17 23
550 27 55 86 113 54 28 45 59 137 11 17 23
600 29 56 88 116 59 28 45 59 149 11 17 23
650 32 56 87 115 64 28 45 59 162 11 17 23
700 34 57 89 117 69 28 45 60 174 11 17 23
83
84
95% / 95% 95% / 90% 95% / 75%
Lot
size
750 37 56 88 116 74 28 45 60 187 11 17 23
800 39 57 89 118 79 28 45 60 199 11 17 23
850 42 56 89 117 84 28 45 60 212 11 17 23
900 44 57 90 119 89 28 45 60 224 11 17 23
950 47 57 89 118 94 29 45 60 237 11 17 23
1000 49 57 90 119 99 29 45 60 249 11 17 23
1500 74 58 91 121 149 29 45 60 374 11 17 23
2000 99 58 92 122 199 29 46 61 499 11 17 23
2500 124 58 92 122 249 29 46 61 624 11 17 23
3000 149 58 92 123 299 29 46 61 749 11 17 23
3500 174 58 93 123 349 29 46 61 874 11 17 23
4000 199 58 93 123 399 29 46 61 999 11 17 23
4500 224 59 93 123 449 29 46 61 1124 11 17 23
5000 249 59 93 123 499 29 46 61 1249 11 17 23
6000 299 59 93 123 599 29 46 61 1499 11 17 23
7000 349 59 93 124 699 29 46 61 1749 11 17 23
8000 399 59 93 124 799 29 46 61 1999 11 17 23
9000 449 59 93 124 899 29 46 61 2249 11 17 23
10000 499 59 93 124 999 29 46 61 2499 11 17 23
11000 549 59 93 124 1099 29 46 61 2749 11 17 23

12000 599 59 93 124 1199 29 46 61 2999 11 17 23
13000 649 59 93 124 1299 29 46 61 3249 11 18 23
14000 699 59 93 124 1399 29 46 61 3499 11 18 23
15000 749 59 93 124 1499 29 46 61 3749 11 18 23
Chapter 2
Principles of donor selection
Principles of self-sufficiency from voluntary and non-remunerated
donations have been recommended and promoted by the Council
of Europe and have been defined in Article 2 of Council of Europe
Recommendation No. R (95) 14 as follows:
The definition of voluntary and non-remunerated donation is:
“Donation is considered voluntary and non-remunerated if the person
gives blood, plasma or cellular components of his/her own free will
and receives no payment for it, either in the form of cash, or in kind
which could be considered a substitute for money. This would include
time off work other than that reasonably needed for the donation and
travel. Small tokens, refreshments and reimbursements of direct travel
costs are compatible with voluntary, non-remunerated donation.”
They have also been adopted by the Council of the European Commu-
nities in Directive 2002/98 EC which in the preamble (23) states: “The
definition of voluntary and unpaid donation of the Council of Europe
should be taken into account”, and, in Article 20 paragraph 1: “Member
states shall take the necessary measures to encourage voluntary and
unpaid blood donations with a view to ensuring that blood and blood
components are in so far as possible provided from such donations.”
Specific immunisation programmes are not considered in this document
but donors enrolled for this purpose should at least fulfil the minimum
85
criteria outlined above (see also Annex 2, Requirements for the col-
lection, processing and quality control of blood, blood components and
plasma derivatives, WHO Technical Report Series, No. 840, 1994).
Some criteria for the selection of donors vary according to the type of
donation involved.
This chapter considers the principles on the selection of donors of
whole blood and also donors of components obtained by different
apheresis procedures. The selection of donors of haematopoietic
progenitor cells is to be found in the “Guide to safety and quality
assurance for organs, tissues and cells” (Council of Europe publications,
ISBN 978-92-871-6037-9).
There are general principles which apply to all donors. There are also
further requirements specific to donors of different components collected by
different methods. The main purpose of selecting individuals for blood and
component donation is to determine whether the person is in good health,
in order to safeguard the health of both donor and recipient. All donors
undergo a screening process to assess their suitability (see Standards).
The screening process involves:
• the provision of pre-donation educational material to be provided
to all donors. This educational material should be understandable
by the donors and explain the donation process, the transmission of
blood borne infections and the donor’s responsibility in preventing
such transmission, including the instruction to inform the blood
establishment in case of post-donation information (see Standards);
• an assessment of each donor carried out by a suitably qualified
individual, trained to use accepted guidelines and working under the
direction of a physician. This assessment involves a questionnaire
and an interview, followed by further direct questions if necessary.
Since blood establishments are ultimately responsible for the quality
and safety of the blood and blood components collected, blood
establishments are entitled to decide on the final acceptance or deferral
of a donor or a prospective donor (Resolution CM/Res (2008) 5 on
donor responsibility and on limitation to donation of blood and blood
86
components, adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 12 March

2008 at the 1021st meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies).
Paragraph 2. Donor screening

A complete medical and physical examination of the donors is gene-
rally not possible in practice. It is necessary to rely on the donor’s
appearance, their answers to simple questions concerning their
medical history, general health, relevant risk factors such as lifestyle
and travel history and on simple laboratory tests.
An interview may be conducted with specifically trained staff who
may ask further direct questions to supplement the information in
the questionnaire. The interview should be conducted in privacy.
The main issues to be covered either by the questionnaire or by direct
questions are included in the example questionnaire given below.
In order to obtain relevant and consistent information about the donor’s
medical history and general health, a pre-printed questionnaire is
completed at each donation. Adaptation of the questionnaire to the type
of donor (first time, regular, apheresis donor, etc.) is recommended.
Abnormal conditions not covered by guidelines for specifically
qualified persons, must be referred to the physician in charge who has
the responsibility of making the final decision.
Age of the donor
The Standards define age limits for donation and provide discretion
for the responsible physician to accept donors outside of these limits.
This medical discretion can be applied either on an individual basis
for a given donor or else through a systematic approach based on an
appropriate risk assessment.
Hazardous occupations
Hazardous occupations or hobbies should normally require that there
is an interval of not less than 12 hours between donation and returning
to the occupation or hobby. Examples of such hazardous occupations
or hobbies include piloting, bus or train driving, crane operating,
climbing of ladders or scaffolding, gliding, climbing and diving.
87
Donor appearance, pulse and blood pressure

Special note should be taken of the appearance of the donor (see
Standards).
If pulse and blood pressure is tested then the pulse should be regular
and between 50 and 100 beats per minute. It is recognised that
recording the blood pressure may be subject to several variables but
as a guide the systolic blood pressure should not exceed 180 mm of
mercury and the diastolic pressure 100 mm.
Donor deferral
Based on the information obtained by the application of the question-
naire and interview the following guidelines should be followed. See
also Standards.
Persons clearly under the influence of alcohol should be deferred until
sober. Illicit parenteral drug taking if admitted or suspected must lead
to permanent deferral.
Abnormal conditions should be referred to the physician in charge
who has the responsibility of making the final decision. If the physician
has any doubt about the donor’s suitability they should be deferred.
Taking into account the requirement that only healthy people are
acceptable as blood donors, deferral criteria are grouped into:
• conditions requiring permanent deferral;
• conditions requiring temporary deferral for defined time periods;
• conditions requiring individual assessment;
• infectious diseases.
Conditions leading to permanent deferral (rejection)

See Standards.
Conditions leading to temporary deferral (suspension)

See Standards.
88
Prophylactic immunisations
See Standards.
Conditions requiring individual assessment

As donors may present with a variety of medical problems, past or
present only some of the more common examples are considered here.
Condition requiring
Criteria for deferral
individual assessment
Individuals with a documented history of anaphylaxis
Allergy
should not be accepted as donors.
Auto-immune If more than one organ is affected this leads to
diseases permanent deferral.
Heterozygote carriers of beta-thalassaemia trait may
Beta thalassaemia
give blood provided they are in good health and have a
trait
haemoglobin level within acceptable values.
Persons with symptoms of severe chronic bronchitis
Bronchitis
should not be accepted as donors.
Accept, if asymptomatic and feels well on the day of
Common cold
donation.
A person who presents with a systolic blood pressure
of more than 180 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure
of more than 100 mm Hg should not be accepted as
Hypertension
a blood donor. A mild hypertensive whose diastolic
blood pressure is maintained at less than 100 mm Hg
may be accepted.
Hospital staff coming into direct contact with patients
with hepatitis are accepted at the discretion of the phy-
Jaundice and hepatitis
sician in charge of the blood-collecting unit providing
(see Standards)
they have not suffered an inoculation injury or mucous
membrane exposure, in which case they must be deferred.
In some countries, donors who were born or have
been transfused in areas where the disease is endemic
are deferred or tested. The blood of persons who
Chagas disease
were born or have been transfused in areas where the
see Standards)
disease is endemic should be used only for plasma
fractionation products unless a validated test for
infection with T. cruzi is negative.
89
Post donation information

Blood donors must be instructed to inform the blood establishment
when signs or symptoms occur after a donation, indicating that the
donation may have been infectious (see Standards). A donor may also
inform the blood establishment that he or she previously donated
blood, but should not have done so in the light of donor selection
criteria aimed at the health protection of recipients, e.g. in retrospect
did not fulfil criteria mentioned in the donor questionnaire.
Infectious diseases
For infectious diseases not specifically addressed elsewhere in this
guide, generally a deferral period of at least 2 weeks after cessation of
symptoms should be respected.
If there was contact with an infectious disease, the deferral period
should equal the incubation period, or if unknown, the nature of
the contact and the deferral period has to be determined by the
responsible physician.
Some emerging infectious diseases may represent a threat to the safety
of blood transfusion. A risk/benefit analysis should be carried out on
a country by country basis. Precautionary measures, which should be
proportionate to the risk, should be implemented in a timely fashion
in line with the emerging evidence. Donor selection policies to address
the risk may include deferral for a suitable period of donors exposed in
geographic areas where the disease is occurring. The introduction of
appropriate testing strategies may have to be considered.
It is recommended that national authorities develop detailed guidance
based on prevailing epidemiology in the populations they serve.
Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

A new variant of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) has been described.
It is accepted that BSE and vCJD are caused by the same agent, and
that vCJD is acquired by eating contaminated beef. Transmission of
vCJD by transfusion of blood components has also been documented.
90
The epidemic of clinical vCJD cases in the UK is presently declining

but a “second wave” cannot be excluded and endogenous vCJD cases
have been found in other EU countries. Precautionary measures such
as donor selection, leucocyte depletion and limiting donor exposure to
recipients can be taken. Prion removal filters and prion tests are under
development. Prion removal filters need to be thoroughly validated for
efficacy and safety. In addition the therapeutic component would need
to be unaffected and sufficient in yield. Prion tests need to be thoroughly
validated for sensitivity and especially specificity, insufficiency of
which could pose a serious threat to blood supply and donor base. It is
essential that these tests are accompanied by confirmatory tests and are
regulated within the scope of Annex II List A of the Directive 98/79/EC
on in vitro diagnostic medical devices. The (cost-) effectiveness of
blood safety measures with regard to vCJD differs greatly among EU
countries according to prevalence and their implementation should be
balanced in relation to sufficient supply of blood and blood components.
History of malignancy
Individuals with a malignant disease or a history of such are usually
permanently deferred (see Standards). There is however a lack of
evidence to support the theoretical concern that cancer is transmitted
via blood.
Recent studies have significantly added to the available data on the
risk of cancer following allogeneic blood transfusion in general and
specifically on the risk of cancer following transfusion from donors
with undiagnosed cancer. These large, observational studies provide
convincing evidence that the risk of transmitting cancer via blood
transfusion is either undetectable or insignificant.
Based on this the following framework is recommended.
Donors with a history of malignancy may be considered using the
following criteria:
• Permanent deferral for history of haematological malignancies (e.g.
leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma).
91
• Permanent deferral for history of malignancies known to be

associated with viraemic conditions (except for carcinoma in situ of
the cervix, see below).
• For other cancers the donor should have fully recovered with no
expectation of recurrence (i.e. cured) and following conditions apply:
• for cancers with negligible metastatic potential (e.g. basal cell
carcinoma and carcinoma in situ of the cervix) the donor may
be accepted immediately following successful removal and cure;
• for all other cancers at least 5 years would have elapsed since
completion of active treatment.
No deferral is required for pre-malignant conditions.
Paragraph 3. Specific considerations for donors of

different components
Quantity of whole blood donation
A standard whole blood donation must not be collected from persons
weighing less than 50 kg. A standard whole blood donation exclusive of
anticoagulants must not exceed 500 mL and usually consists in a dona-
tion of 450 mL ± 10 percent (see Standards). In addition 30 to 35 mL of
blood is taken for laboratory tests and retention of a donation sample.
Because of the risk of adverse reactions, no more than 15% of the esti-
mated blood volume should be collected as whole blood during one
blood donation. The blood volume of the donor can be calculated from
the weight, height and gender using a validated formula. It is recom-
mended to calculate the blood volume using the formula developed by
the International Council for Standardisation in Haematology (ICSH).
The formula is derived from a large study on red cell mass and plasma
volume measurements in the European population.11
11 Pearson TC, Guthrie DL, Simpson J, Chinn C, Barosi G, Ferrant A, Lewis SM,
Najean Y; Intrepretation of measured red cell mass and plasma volume in adults:
Expert Panel on Radionuclides of the International Council for Standardisation in
Haematology. Br. J. Haem. 1995,89:748-56.
92
It is accepted that all men weighing ≥ 50 kg have a sufficiently large

blood volume to donate in total 535 mL of blood (500 mL plus 35 mL
for testing and retention of a donation sample) whilst all women
weighing ≥ 50 kg have a sufficiently large blood volume to donate in
total 485 mL of blood (450 mL plus 35 mL for testing and retention of a
donation sample).
In case of women donating in total > 485 mL and weighing < 65 kg
the blood volume should be calculated. The calculated blood volume
should exceed the minimum acceptable blood volume for the volume
of blood to be collected (Table 1). If the calculated blood volume is
less than acceptable a smaller volume should be collected or the donor
should be deferred.
When the donation volume may exceed 15 percent of the blood volume
of the donor it is recommended that blood establishments use a blood
volume table prepared according to the ICSH formula for checking the
blood volume of the donor (see examples in Annex page 373).
Table 1. Calculated minimum blood volume of a female donor

donating 485 mL, 510 mL or 535 mL
Volume of blood to be Maximum percentage of Minimum acceptable

collected blood volume collected blood volume
450 mL + 35 mL 15 % 3,233 mL
475 mL + 35 mL 15 % 3,400 mL
500 mL + 35 mL 15 % 3,567 mL
Frequency of whole blood donation

It is acknowledged that current practices in some transfusion services
in Europe allow up to 6 standard whole blood donations per year from
males and 4 per year from females, with a minimum interval between
standard donations of 2 months. Routine haemoglobin measurement
does not reflect iron stores. It is therefore recommended that an active
93
donor panel be maintained of sufficient size to allow donors to be

bled less often than the maximum annual rates stated (see Standards),
with the recommendation that 4 whole blood donations for males
and 3 donations for females should ordinarily not be exceeded, thus
affording the donors extra protection and giving the system flexibility
to deal with large-scale emergency situations.
The maximum donation rates of 6 whole blood donations per year
from males and 4 per year from females must never be exceeded
and should only be adopted after careful consideration of the dietary
habits of the populations concerned, and in the knowledge that extra
care may be necessary, beyond routine haemoglobin or haematocrit
estimation, in the monitoring of donors for iron deficiency.
Laboratory examination before donation

Abnormally high and low haemoglobin values should be further
investigated, as should a fall in haemoglobin concentration of more
than 20 g/L between 2 successive donations.
It is recognised that blood donation may result in iron deficiency in
repeat blood donors. This problem may arise without being evident
through pre-donation haemoglobin measurement. This may be
especially important in women in the child-bearing years. Blood
establishments should include appropriate measures to minimise this
problem, and to protect donor health. Such measures may include the
use of tests to assess iron status, the provision of materials for donor
education particularly in regard to the importance of an iron rich
diet, the tailoring of donation frequency based on iron status and if
appropriate the supplementation of a dietary iron through appropriate
prophylactic medication. At the same time, blood establishments
should recognise that many donors currently deferred because of
low haemoglobin are in a satisfactory state of health and, once their
iron status is confirmed as satisfactory, they may be re-entered into
donation programs. Therefore, managing the problem of iron-
deficiency contributes to the maintenance of donor health and the
sufficiency of the blood supply.
94
Apheresis donors
General remarks:
• Specific information on the nature of the procedures involved in
the allogeneic or autologous donation process and their respective
associated risks must be provided to the prospective donor (see
Standards).
• Written informed consent should be obtained before the first
apheresis procedure.
• To ensure that the maximum extracorporeal volume (ECV) is not
exceeded (see Standards), for donors with a weight between 50
and 65 kg the total blood volume should be estimated using the
approach described in Principles, Chapter 2, Paragraph 3.
• The Standards identify the maximum annual donation frequency
and the minimum inter-donation intervals and the maximum
volumes of components collected by apheresis. An incomplete
apheresis procedure must be taken into account when determining
the timing of the next donation. This should include consideration
of non-reinfusion of red cells and the amount of primary
component already collected.
Special attention should be given to the following conditions:
• abnormal bleeding episodes;
• a history suggestive of fluid retention (of special interest if steroids
and/or plasma expanders are to be used);
• the intake of drugs containing acetylsalicylic acid or other platelet
inhibitory components within five days prior to platelet apheresis;
• a history of gastric symptoms (if steroids are to be used);
• adverse reactions to previous donations.
Frequency of donation and maximal amounts of the

removal of plasma
Current recommendations are made in the absence of conclusive
studies of outcomes from different regimes of volumes and frequencies
95
of plasmapheresis. Limited data is however available from small

studies with several years follow-up which indicated that the approach
mentioned in the Standards is acceptable.
The collection volume (excluding anticoagulant) for each
plasmapheresis procedure must not exceed 16% of the estimated total
blood volume. The total blood volume must be calculated on the basis
of gender, height and weight. Alternatively a collection volume based
on 10 mL per kg of body weight will equate broadly to 16% of estimated
total blood volume (see Standards).
The Standards identify additional requirements for donors undergoing
plasmapheresis. In addition special attention should be given to any
significant fall in the results of testing even when they still fall within
the accepted normal limits.
Additional requirements for platelet apheresis

The calculated minimum pre-donation platelet count must not be less
than 150 × 109/L (see Standards). In addition when undertaking high
dose platelet collection (> 5 × 1011 platelets per unit) care should be taken
to ensure that the post-donation count does not fall below 100 × 109/L.
Additional requirements for granulocytapheresis

Clinical efficacy, indications and dosage of granulocyte transfusion
have not been established. Prior to the collection the potential donor
of granulocytes needs to receive medication and sedimenting agents
may be needed during the apheresis procedure. Both of these have
potentially severe side effects which are described below. Thus, it is
essential to gain the informed consent of the donor. In addition to the
recognized complications of routine donor apheresis, the following
side effects may occur:
• Hydroxyethyl starch (HES): acts as a volume expander, and donors
who have received HES may experience headaches or peripheral
edema because of expanded circulatory volume, HES may cumulate,
which can result in pruritus, and allergic reactions are possible.
96
• Corticosteroids: may cause, for example hypertension, diabetes,

cataracts, and peptic ulcer.
• Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF): the most common
short-term complication following G-CSF administration in
peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors is bone pain, although
on very rare occasions, splenic rupture or lung injury may occur.
Concerns over Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)/Myelodysplasia
(MDS) development following G-CSF administration are based
primarily on reports of increased rates of AML/MDS among women
with breast cancer who received chemotherapy or patients with
Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN) who received G-CSF support.
To date registry data from Europe and the United States have not
identified any increased risk of AML/MDS including data of over
100 000 healthy individuals who donated PBSCs and received G-CSF
as pre-treatment, but the median follow-up of these studies is less than
5 years.
When G-CSF is given to the donor a follow up protocol should be in
place for instance as advised by JACIE for G-CSF stimulated donors.12
Additional requirements for 1 unit red cell apheresis

(alone or combined with plasma and/or platelets)
• One unit is equivalent to the red cell amount of a red cell
concentrate gained from a whole blood donation.
• Haemoglobin or haematocrit should be examined before donation
and should conform to those specified for whole blood donation.
• The total collected volume of the red cell unit should be subtracted
from the total volume of plasma that can be collected in combined
procedures with platelet and/or plasma collections. The same
restrictions apply for the plasma and platelet portion of the
procedure as for those procedures without red cell collection.
12 JACIE/FACT International Standards for Cellular Therapy Product Collection,

Processing and Administration (http://www.jacie.org).
97
Additional requirements for 2 unit red cell apheresis

• The donor should have an estimated blood volume of > 5 L (a requi-
rement generally met by a non-obese person weighing > 70 kg).
• Haemoglobin should be examined before donation and the
minimum value should be > 140 g/L . For the safety of the donor
the haemoglobin level should not fall below 110 g/L after donation.
• For autologous 2 unit red cell apheresis lower haemoglobin levels
and/or shorter donation intervals can be accepted at the discretion
of the physician responsible for collection.
Additional requirements for donors of red cell for anti-RhD

immunisation
This section does not consider specific immunisation programmes
but red cell donors enrolled for this purpose should at least fulfil the
following minimum criteria:
• infectious markers to be tested include HBs antigen and antibodies
to HIV-1/2, HCV, HTLV-I/II, Anti-HBc, and NAT test for proviral
HIV-DNA and HCV-RNA. HBV-DNA, Parvovirus B19-DNA
or Parvovirus B19-Antibodies, and Hepatitis A-DNA should be
considered;
• an extensive red cell phenotyping should be performed at least
twice, and may be supplemented by genotyping;
• the red cells for immunisation should be stored for at least 6 months.
After 6 months all the above stated infectious markers should be
found negative on a new donor sample before release of the stored
red cells for immunization;
• to address changes in donor selection criteria and infectious marker
testing for regular whole blood donations that may occur over time,
immunisation programs should:
a. maintain retention samples from each RBC donation suitable for
future testing;
98
b. requalify past donations by current screening and testing of the

donor whenever feasible or, testing of retention samples when
current donor screening and testing is unfeasible or insufficient
to exclude a prior risk;
c. exempt prior collections of RBCs from current standards only
after careful considerations of the risks to the immunised donors
and ultimate plasma product recipients.
Designated donations
Although blood donation is voluntary, non-remunerated and
anonymous, in some special circumstances it may be necessary to
make use of designated donations. This should happen only for clear
medical indications.
Designated donations are those intended for named patients based on
medical indications. These donations may include family members,
but clinical benefits for the patient are weighed against the risk by the
physician. Circumstances where this may occur are:
1. for patients with rare blood types, where no compatible anonymous
donations are available;
2. in case donor-specific transfusions are indicated for immune
modulation or immunotherapy, for instance in the preparation
procedure for kidney transplant or for lymphocyte transfusions
aimed at a graft-versus-leukaemia effect;
3. in certain cases of alloimmune neonatal thrombocytopenia, for
instance, when HPA typed platelets are not available and IVIG
therapy is insufficient.
The practice of transfusing parental blood to infants is not without
risk. Mothers may have antibodies to antigens which are present on
the infant’s red blood cells, platelets or white blood cells, therefore
maternal plasma should not be transfused. Fathers should not serve
as cell donors to neonates, because maternal antibodies to antigens
inherited from the father may have been transmitted through the
placenta to the foetus. In addition due to partial histocompatibility,
99
transfusions of cells from parental or family donors carry an increased

risk of GVHD, even in the immunocompetent.
Directed donations
Directed donations are those intended for named patients, where
the request for the donation has been made by patients, relatives, or
friends. The public often believes directed donations to be safer than
anonymous voluntary non-remunerated donations, but this is not the
case: even if directed donations are screened and tested in the same
manner as voluntary non-remunerated donors, infectious disease
marker rates are in general higher among directed donors.
Directed donations are not considered good practice and should be
discouraged.
Paragraph 4. Example of a donor screening

questionnaire
The main issues to be covered either by the questionnaire or by direct
questions are included in an example questionnaire:
General questions
• Are you in good health?
• For women: Have you had a pregnancy in the past year?
• Do you have a hazardous occupation or hobby?
• Have you previously been told not to give blood?
• Have you experienced any unexplained fever?
• Are you currently on any medication, including aspirin?
• Have you had any recent vaccinations or dental treatment?
• Have you ever had medication with isotretinoin (e.g. Accutane R),
etretinate (e.g. Tegison R), acitretin (e.g. Neotigason R) finasteride
(e.g. Proscar R, Propecia R), dutasteride (e.g. Avodart R)?
100
• Have you ever suffered from any serious illness such as:
• jaundice, malaria, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever?
• heart disease, high or low blood pressure?
• severe allergy, asthma?
• convulsions or diseases of the nervous system?
• chronic diseases such as diabetes or malignancies?
Questions related to HIV or hepatitis transmission risk
• Have you read and understood the information on AIDS
(HIV infection) and hepatitis?
• Have you ever injected any drugs?
• Have you ever accepted payment for sex in money or drugs?
• For men: have you ever had sex with another man?
• For women: to the best of your knowledge has any man with whom
you have had sex in the past 12 months had sex with a man?
• During the past 12 months have you had sexual contact with
someone who:
• is HIV positive or has hepatitis?
• has injected drugs?
• receives or has received payment for sex in money or drugs?
• Have you had a sexually transmitted disease?
• Have you been exposed to hepatitis? (family or job)?
• Since your last donation or in the previous 12 months have you had:
• an operation or medical investigations?
• any body piercing and/or tattoo?
• acupuncture treatment by anyone other than a registered
practitioner?
• a transfusion?
• an accidental injury involving a needle and/or mucous
membrane exposure to blood?
101
Questions related to CJD risk

• Have you been told of a family history of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
(CJD)?
• Have you had a corneal graft?
• Have you ever had a dura mater graft?
• Have you ever had treatment with human pituitary extracts?
Questions related to travel risk

• Were you born or have you lived and/or travelled abroad? Where?
102
Chapter 3
Principles of blood collection
Records should be kept for each activity associated with the donation.
The record should reflect also any unsuccessful donation, the rejection
of a donor, adverse reactions or unexpected events. An authorised
interviewer should sign the donor selection records and final assessment.
The sterile collection systems should be used in accordance with the
instructions of the manufacturer. A check should be made before use, to
ensure that the collection system used is not damaged or contaminated,
and that it is appropriate for the intended collection. Defects in blood
bags should be reported to the supplier and subject to trend analysis.
The donor identification, donor selection interview and donor
assessment should take place before each donation. The donor should
be re-identified immediately prior to venepuncture.
Paragraph 2. Premises for donor sessions

When the venue of the donor session is permanent and under the
control of the transfusion centre, provision should additionally be
made for proper cleaning by, for example, the use of non slip, washable
floor material installed without inaccessible corners, avoidance of
internal window ledges, etc. Where possible, ventilation should be
by an air conditioning unit to avoid the need for open windows. Air
changes, together with temperature and humidity control, should be
103
adequate to cope with the maximum number of people likely to be in

the room, and with the heat output from any equipment used.
When sessions are performed by mobile teams, a realistic attitude
towards environmental standards may be taken. Points to check should
include adequate heating, lighting and ventilation, general cleanliness,
provision of a secure supply of water and electricity, adequate
sanitation, compliance with fire regulations, satisfactory access for
unloading and loading of equipment by the mobile team, adequate
space to allow free access to the bleed, and rest beds.
Paragraph 3. Equipment used at blood donation sessions

It is recommended that the manufacturer’s identity and container
information (catalogue number and the container number of the set)
as well as the manufacturer’s lot number should be given in eye and
machine readable codes.
Paragraph 4. Pre-donation checks and labelling

• Defects may be hidden behind the label pasted on the container.
Abnormal moisture or discolouration on the surface of the bag or
label after unpacking suggests leakage through a defect.
• The unique identity number may consist of a code for the respon-
sible blood collection organisation, the year of donation and a serial
number.
Paragraph 5. Venepuncture
Preparation of the venepuncture site
The venepuncture site should be prepared using a defined and validated
disinfection procedure. The effectiveness of the disinfection procedure
should be monitored and corrective action taken where indicated.
Although it is impossible to guarantee 100% sterility of the skin
surface for phlebotomy, a strict, standardised procedure for the
preparation of the phlebotomy area must exist (see Standards). Of
104
particular importance is that the antiseptic solution used be allowed

to dry completely before venepuncture. The time taken will vary with
the product used but should be subject to an absolute minimum of
30 seconds.
The prepared area must not be touched with fingers before the needle
has been inserted (see Standards) .
Successful venepuncture and proper mixing

Where an anticoagulant solution is used in the collection, the
collection bag should be mixed gently immediately after start of
collection and at regular intervals thereafter during the whole
collection period. The maximum collection time for acceptance
of the donation for component processing should be specified and
controlled. Donations that exceed the maximum time period should be
recorded and discarded.
Proper mixing of the blood with the anti-coagulant is essential at all
phases of the bleeding.
Attention should be paid to the following:
• as the blood begins to flow into the collection bag, it must
immediately come into contact with the anticoagulant and be
properly mixed;
• the flow of the blood must be sufficient and uninterrupted;
• donation of a whole blood unit should ideally not last more than
10 minutes. If duration of the bleeding is longer than 12 minutes,
the blood should not be used for the preparation of platelets. If
the duration of the bleeding is longer than 15 minutes, the plasma
should not be used for direct transfusion or the preparation of
coagulation factors;
• in the case of apheresis, any unintended interruption of the flow
occurring during the procedure should be evaluated for possible
exclusion of that blood component.
105
Handling of filled containers and samples

At completion of the donation, the donation number issued should be
checked on all records, blood bags and laboratory samples. Donation
number labels that have not been used should be destroyed via a
controlled procedure. Routines to prevent misidentification should be
in place.
If integral blood bag collection tubing is to be used to prepare
segments for testing, it should be sealed off at the end and then filled
with anticoagulated blood as soon as possible after blood collection.
After blood collection, the blood bags should be handled, transported
and placed into storage according to defined procedures.
Immediately after sealing of the collection bag, the contents of the bag
line should be completely discharged into the bag.
The organisation should be such as to minimise the possibility of
errors in labelling of blood containers and blood samples. In this
respect, it is recommended that each bed should have its individual
facilities for the handling of samples during donation and labelling.
Laboratory test samples should be taken at the time of donation.
Procedures should be designed to minimise the risk of bacterial
contamination of the collected blood or deterioration of the sample,
and to prevent potential misidentification.
The test samples should be taken directly from the bleed line or from a
sample pouch (deviation bag) of the collection system.
If samples are taken at the end of donation, this must be done
immediately.
The blood bag and corresponding samples must not be removed from
the donor’s bedside until correct labelling has been checked.
After collection, blood bags should be promptly placed into controlled
temperature storage and transported to the processing site under
temperature conditions appropriate for the component that will
106
be prepared. There should be validation data to demonstrate that

the storage and transport conditions used after collection ensure
maintainance of the blood within the specified temperature range.
Paragraph 6. Apheresis
Premedication and apheresis
Routine premedication of donors for the purpose of increasing
component yield is not recommended.
Caution is recommended regarding pre-treatment of donors with
corticosteroids and G-CSF.
Manual apheresis
Manual apheresis is no longer recommended.
Paragraph 7. Repository of archive samples

The retention of donor samples for a period of time may provide
useful information. The provision of such systems is contingent on the
availability of adequate human and financial resources.
If archive samples from the donations are kept, then procedures
must be in place prescribing the use and final disposal thereof (see
Standards).
Paragraph 8. Management of adverse reactions in

donors
Special attention should be given to all donors, in whom an adverse
reaction in relation to blood donation is identified.
In the case of an adverse reaction the donor should be referred as soon
as possible to the responsible health care worker/physician in charge.
The source of the adverse reaction should be identified and corrective
and preventive measures considered.
107
All situations, including treatment and preventive actions taken,

should be documented in donor’s and quality systems records.
Severe adverse reactions in donors should be reported to the
system established on national level (see Chapter 11 Principles on
hemovigilance and Chapter 11 Standards on hemovigilance).
Examples of adverse reactions related to blood collection
Local reactions related to needle insertion

Vessel injuries
Hematomas
Arterial puncture
Thrombophlebitis
Nerve injuries
Injury of nerve
Injury of nerve by haematoma
Other complications
Tendon injury
Allergic reaction (local)
Infection (local)
General reactions
Vasovagal reaction
Immediate type
Delayed type
Rare, important complications
Related to vessel injury
Brachial artery pseudoaneurysm
Arteriovenous fistula
Compartment syndrome
Axillary vein thrombosis
Accidents
Accidents or injuries related to vasovagal syncope
Other kinds of accidents
108
Cardiovascular reactions
Angina pectoris
Myocardial infarct
Cerebral ischemia
Related to apheresis procedures
Citrate toxicity
Systemic allergic reaction
Anaphylaxis
Haemolysis
Air embolism
Prevention of adverse reactions in donors

Prospective donors are informed of the possible adverse reactions of
blood donation and their prevention.
Training of the personnel collecting blood should include preventing,
and recognising the (early) signs of adverse reactions and treatment.
A physician in charge is responsible for medical supervision of blood
collection and each session must be staffed with a qualified health
professional.
Treatment of adverse reactions in donors
The treatment of adverse reactions related to blood donation is
described in standard operation procedures.
The staff is properly and regularly trained to be attentive for early signs
of an adverse reaction and is able to respond immediately with the
appropriate action.
In each collection facility, a specific space is reserved for dealing with
donors who have an adverse reaction.
The donor is observed until full recovery and in the event of a serious
adverse reaction that the blood establishment stays in contact with the
donor until the complication has disappeared or the donor is in stable
conditions.
109
Documentation of adverse reactions in donors

The treatment and outcome of all adverse reactions related to blood
donation, at any stage of the procedure, are fully documented.
The medical supervisor is informed about serious adverse reactions.
Data should be collected and analysed in order to initiate corrective
actions, which could prevent or reduce the frequency or minimise the
severity of adverse reactions in the future.
Serious adverse reactions are reported to the appropriate authority.
Information for the donor with adverse reactions
When an adverse reaction occurs, the donor is informed about the
reaction, its treatment and expected outcome. The donor should be
given the opportunity to contact the physician on call at any time.
The collection staff should instruct the donor in post collection care
and keep the donor under observation until release.
In particular, a donor who has experienced vasovagal reactions should
be informed about the risk of delayed fainting. The donor should not
drive a vehicle or resume work or any hazardous occupation or hobby
in the ensuing 12 hours if delayed fainting could put the donor or other
persons at risk.
Paragraph 9. Donor clinic documentation

Full records should be maintained at blood donation sessions, to cover
the following parameters:
• the blood component(s) collected, the date, donation number,
identity, and medical history of the donor;
• the date, donation number, identity, and medical history of the
donor for each unsuccessful donation, with reasons for the failure
of the donation;
• list of rejected donors with the reasons for their rejection;
110
• full details of any adverse reactions in a donor at any stage of the

procedure;
• in the case of apheresis: volume of collection, volume of blood
processed, volume of replacement solution and volume of
anticoagulant.
As far as possible the records of blood donation sessions should
allow identification by blood transfusion staff of each important
phase associated with the donation. These records should be used for
the regular compilation of statistics which should be studied by the
individual with ultimate responsibility for the blood donation session,
who will take such action on them as deemed necessary.
111
112
Chapter 4
Principles of blood component

preparation
Transfusion therapy in the past was largely dependent on the use of
whole blood. While whole blood may still be used in certain limited
circumstances, the thrust of modern transfusion therapy is to use
the specific component that is clinically indicated. Components
are those therapeutic constituents of blood that can be prepared by
centrifugation, filtration and freezing using conventional blood bank
methodology.
Transfusions are used mainly for the following purposes:
• to maintain oxygen/carbon dioxide transport;

• to correct or avoid bleeding and coagulation disorders.
It is evident that one single product, whole blood, is not necessarily

suitable for all these purposes unless the patient requiring treatment
has multiple deficiencies. Even then, the storage defects of whole blood
make it unsuitable for such replacement. Patients should be given the
component needed to correct their specific deficiency. This will avoid
unnecessary and possibly harmful infusion of surplus constituents.
The change from collection of blood in glass bottles to multiple plastic
bag systems has greatly facilitated the preparation of high quality
113
components. Storage considerations are a major reason for promoting

the use of components. Optimal conditions and consequently shelf
life vary for different components. Red cells maintain functional
capability best when refrigerated. The quality of plasma constituents
is best maintained in the frozen state while platelet storage is at room
temperature with continuous agitation. Thus it is only the red cells
whose storage requirement is fulfilled when whole blood is stored
refrigerated, with consequent loss of therapeutic effectiveness of most
of the other constituents.
Component therapy also offers logistic, ethical and economic

advantages. The majority of patients requiring transfusion do not
need the plasma in the whole unit and certainly not at a 1 to 1 ratio.
Production of plasma derived products can thus be facilitated by the
use of red cells rather than whole blood. Leucocyte depletion may
further improve the quality of blood components.
Paragraph 2. Preparation procedures

The procedures should detail the specifications for materials which
will influence the quality of the final blood component. In particular,
specifications should be in place for blood and blood components
(intermediate and final components), starting material, additive
solutions, primary package material (bags) and equipment.
The premises used for the processing of blood components should be

kept in a clean and hygienic condition and the bacterial contamination
load on critical equipment, surfaces and the environment of the pro-
cessing areas should be monitored.
Sterile connecting devices should be used in accordance with a

validated procedure. The resulting weld should be checked for
satisfactory alignment and the integrity validated. If validated and
used properly, connection done using sterile connecting devices can be
regarded as closed system processing.
114
There should be a system of administrative and physical quarantine for

blood and blood components to ensure that they cannot be released
until all mandatory requirements have been satisfied.
Blood components may be prepared during collection using apheresis

technology. Plasma, leucocytes, platelets and red cell concentrates may
be obtained thus. Alternatively, whole blood may be collected in the
traditional manner with the components being made available by the
post donation processing of whole blood.
Time limits should be defined for the processing of blood components.
Due to the potential deterioration of activity and function of labile

blood components, conditions of storage and time prior to processing
are vital to the preparation of components. Delays in preparation or
unsuitable conditions of storage may adversely affect quality of the
final components.
Paragraph 3. Choice of anticoagulant and bag system

Whole blood is collected into a bag containing an anticoagulant
solution. The solution contains citrate and cell nutrients such as
glucose and adenine. The first centrifugation steps will remove more
than half of these nutrients from the residual red cells. Thus it may
be more logical to provide the proper nutrients for the cells using a
resuspension medium instead of incorporating them in the initial
anticoagulant solution.
Plastic ware used for blood collection, apheresis and component

preparation should comply with the requirements of the relevant
supplement of the European Pharmacopoeia with regard to
haemocompatibility in addition to its suitability for achieving the
respective technological goal. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has been
found satisfactory for red blood cell storage. The biocompatibility of
any plasticisers used must be assured. Storage of platelets at + 20 °C
to + 24 °C requires a plastic with increased oxygen permeability.
115
This has been achieved by plastic materials of alternative physical

and/or chemical characteristics. Leaching of plasticisers into blood
or a component should not pose any undue risk to the recipient. Any
possible leaching of adhesives from labels or other device components
should be kept within acceptable safety limits. Care should be taken
to minimise levels of residual toxic substances after sterilisation, for
example ethylene oxide.
Whenever new plastics are to be introduced an adequate study of

component preparation and/or storage should be conducted. The
following parameters could be useful:
• red blood cells: glucose, pH, haematocrit, haemolysis, ATP, lactate,

extracellular potassium and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate;
• platelets: pH, pO2, pCO2, bicarbonate ion, glucose, lactate

accumulation, ATP, P-selectin, LDH release, beta thromboglobulin
release, response from hypotonic shock and swirling phenomenon;
morphology score and extent of shape change;
• plasma: Factor VIII and signs of coagulation activation, for example

thrombin–antithrombin complexes.
These studies would normally be carried out by the manufacturer

before introduction of the new plastics and the results be made
available to the transfusion services.
The evaluation of new plastics can be completed by the evaluation of

24 hours post transfusion in vivo recovery and survival of autologous
red cells and by the assessment of platelet recovery, survival and
corrected count increments (CCI).
In order to maintain a closed system throughout the separation

procedure, a multiple bag configuration, either ready made or sterile-
docked, should be used. The design and arrangement of the pack
system should be such as to permit the required sterile preparation of
the desired component.
116
Although use of closed systems is recommended for all steps in

component processing, open systems may sometimes be necessary
due to local constraints in an environment specifically designed to
minimise the risk of bacterial contamination. When open systems
are employed, careful attention should be given to use of aseptic
procedures. The red cells so prepared should be transfused within
24 hours of processing. The platelets so prepared should be transfused
within 6 hours of processing.
Paragraph 4. Centrifugation of blood components

The sedimentation behaviour of blood cells is determined by their size
as well as the difference of their density from that of the surrounding
fluid (see Table below). Other factors are viscosity of the medium and
flexibility of the cells which are temperature dependent. The optimal
temperature with respect to these factors is + 20 ºC or higher.
Volume and density of principal blood constituents
Mean Volume
Mean Density (g/mL)
(10-15 litre)
Plasma 1.026
Platelets 1.058 9
Monocytes 1.062 470
Lymphocytes 1.070 230
Neutrophils 1.082 450
Red Cells 1.100 87
In the first phase of centrifugation, the surrounding fluid is a mixture

of plasma and anticoagulant solution. Leucocytes and red cells now
sediment more rapidly than platelets as they both have a bigger volume
than platelets. In a later phase, depending on the time and speed of
centrifugation, most of the leucocytes and red cells therefore settle in the
117
lower half of the bag and the upper half contains platelet rich plasma.
More prolonged centrifugation results in platelet sedimentation driven
by a force proportional to the square of the number of rotations per
minute and the distance of each cell to the centre of the rotor, whereas
the leucocytes being now surrounded by a fluid of higher density (the
red cell mass), move upwards. At the end of centrifugation, cell-free
plasma is in the upper part of the bag and red cells at the bottom.
Platelets accumulate on top of the red cell layer, while the majority of
leucocytes are to be found immediately below in the top 10 mL of red
cell mass. Haematopoietic progenitor cells have similar characteristics
to normal mononuclear blood cells. However, their contaminants may
be immature or malignant cells from different haematopoietic lineages
which commonly have larger sizes and lower densities than their
mature counterparts.
The choice to be made is the conditions of centrifugation, such as

g-force, acceleration, time, deceleration, etc. which will determine the
composition of the desired component, i.e. if platelet-rich plasma is
desired, centrifugation should stop prior to the phase where platelet
sedimentation commences. A low centrifugation speed will allow for
some variation in centrifugation time. If cell-free plasma is required,
fast centrifugation for an adequate time will allow separation to cell-
poor plasma and densely packed cells. It is important that the optimal
conditions for a good separation be carefully standardised for each
centrifuge. A number of choices exist for the selection of a procedure
for centrifugation for component preparation from whole blood.
The next Table outlines five different methods of performing the

first step in the separation of whole blood as well as the approximate
composition of the resulting initial components. The choice of
the initial separation step strongly influences the methods of
further processing of the initial fractions. This leads to a system of
interdependent preparation of a blood component and reference
should always be made to the initial separation step.
118
Paragraph 5. Component Separation

Separation after the initial centrifugation
After centrifugation, the bag system is carefully removed from the
centrifuge. The primary bag is placed into a plasma extraction system
and the layers are transferred, one by one, into satellite packs within
the closed system.
The choice to be made is whether or not the buffy coat is to be

separated from the packed cells. The advantage of this is that the red
cells are leucocyte poor and will remain aggregate poor during storage.
Moreover the red cells can be resuspended into a solution designed to
offer optimal conditions for red cell storage, e.g. saline-adenine-glucose-
mannitol (SAGM). The resuspension may still be done within the closed
system. Plasma can now be frozen and be stored as fresh frozen plasma
to be used as such or as a starting material for further products.
The next Table provides an estimation of the results that can be

obtained using initial centrifugation (4 options) or filtration (1 option).
Depending on the choice of technique for component preparation:
• methods I and II will be followed by recentrifugation of the platelet

rich plasma for the preparation of cell free plasma and platelet
concentrate;
• method III will be followed by preparation of platelet concentrate

from buffy coats.
Separation after initial filtration

Whole blood may be filtered for leucocyte depletion prior to high speed
centrifugation. This procedure enables a separation into almost cell-free
plasma and leucocyte-depleted (and platelet depleted) red cells.
119
Five different methods of initial separation of whole blood

and the approximate composition of the fractions obtained
(figures refer to a standard donation of 450 mL ± 10%
taken into 60-70 mL of anticoagulant)
Method I II III IV V
Initial filtration no no no no yes
Centrifugation
low low high high high
speed
plasma +
plasma + plasma +
plasma + plasma + red cells
Separation into buffy coat buffy coat
red cells red cells leucocyte
+ red cells + red cells
depleted
Resulting crude fractions:
200- 200- 270- 270- 240-

plasma, volume
280 mL 280 mL 320 mL 330 mL 290 mL
platelets 70-80% 70-80% 10-20% 10-20% < 1%
leucocytes 5-10% 5-10% 2-5% 2-5% < 0.01%
Red cells:
Haematocrit 0.75-0.80 0.65-0.75 0.85-0.90 0.80-0.90 0.80-0.90
platelets 5-15% 20-30% 10-20% 80-90% < 1%
leucocytes 25-45% 90-95% 25-45% 95-98% < 0.01%
Buffy coat:
Haematocrit 50-70% 40-60%
red cells 10-15% 10-15%
platelets 10-25% 80-90%
leucocytes 60-70% 50-70%
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Other separation principles
Zonal centrifugation
Sedimentation of blood cells can be achieved when a centrifugal force
is exerted on flowing blood more or less perpendicular to the direction
of the flow. The efficiency of the separation depends on the ratio
between the centrifugal force and the flow velocity. At a high ratio
the plasma obtained is platelet poor, and at a lower ratio platelet rich
plasma can be obtained.
A number of apheresis devices are available in which this principle is

applied for the production of cell poor plasma or platelet rich plasma.
A further application of zonal centrifugation is the removal of

plasma protein from a blood cell suspension. A unit of blood cells
is introduced into the centrifuge bowl and a flow of washing fluid
is then maintained until the protein concentration in the effluent is
sufficiently reduced. Centrifugation is discontinued and the “washed”
blood cell suspension is harvested.
The same principle is also used for both the addition and the removal
of cryoprotectant before freezing and after thawing of blood cell
suspensions in cryopreservation.
Buoyant density centrifugation

Buoyant density centrifugation of blood, bone marrow or buffy coat
cells on top of a layer with a density of 1.077 g/mL leads to a layer of
mononuclear cells floating on the interface and a pellet of red cells and
granulocytes which have penetrated through the separating medium
according to the density of the cells involved.
Buoyant density separation is generally applicable for separations

based on density differences between cells e.g. also for the separation
of cells complexed with red cells to rosettes from the non-rosetted
cells.
121
Counter current centrifugation (elutriation)

Cells that are subjected simultaneously to a liquid flow and a
centrifugal force in opposite directions tend to be separated according
to their size. This property has been applied in cell separators to collect
apheresis platelet concentrates with a reduced leucocyte content,
which, for some devices, may reach the specification of leucocyte
depletion, i.e. < 106 leucocytes per unit.
Using specific centrifuges, counter current centrifugation is also used
to separate subpopulations of mononuclear cells obtained from blood
or bone marrow.
Filtration
At present, two major types of filtration are available for blood
component preparation:
• the separation of plasma from blood by cross-flow filtration;
• the removal of leucocytes from cell suspensions by depth-filtration
or surface filtration.
Cross-flow filtration
When blood flows along a membrane with a pore size allowing free
passage of plasma proteins but not of blood cells, cell-free plasma
may be obtained by filtration.
Plasmapheresis devices have been developed in which a pumping sys-
tem takes blood from the donor’s vein, mixes it at a constant ratio with
anti-coagulant solution and then leads it along a plasma-permeable
membrane (flat membrane or hollow fibre system). Two pressures are
exerted on the blood: one parallel to the membrane, keeping the blood
flowing along the membrane, and the other perpendicular to the mem-
brane, the actual filtration pressure. This system prevents accumulation
of cells on the membrane while plasma is removed from the blood (the
haematocrit in the system may increase from 0.40 to 0.75). In some
devices, velocity of the flow parallel to the membrane is increased
by an additional vortex action or by movement of the membrane.
122
When a specified extra-corporeal cell volume has been reached, the

cells are reinfused to the donor, and the next cycle starts until the
required volume of cell-free plasma has been obtained.
Depth and surface filtration

Owing to the specific properties of platelets and granulocytes as
well as the low flexibility of lymphocytes, these cells are more easily
trapped in a filter bed of fibres than red cells. Four mechanisms
of trapping have been recognised in filters used for leucocyte
depletion of red cell concentrates:
a. the activation of platelets leading to the attachment of these
cells to the fibres in the top of the filter, followed by the
interaction of the attached platelets and granulocytes;
b. the activation of granulocytes by another type of fibre leading
to attachment of these cells in the middle part of the filter;
c. the obstruction of the lymphocytes in the pores and fork
junctions of the finest fibre material in the bottom layers of the
filter. Blow-moulded mats of fibre material with different pore
sizes and fibre thicknesses are now used to produce leucocyte
depletion filters for red cell concentrates;
d. surface treatment of the filter material allows the production of
filters which reduce the contaminating leucocytes from platelet
concentrates by sieving and may prevent activation of platelets.
Filters used for leucocyte removal from red cells or platelets show
considerable variations in efficacy and capacity. Besides filter
properties, the final result of filtration is influenced by several
process parameters (e.g. flow rate, temperature, priming and
rinsing) and properties of the component to be filtered (e.g. storage
history of the component, number of leucocytes and number of
platelets). When a standardised filtration procedure is established,
limits must therefore be set for all the variables affecting the
efficacy of filtration and the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
should be fully validated under the condition to be used.
123
Washing of cellular components

This technique is occasionally used when there is requirement for
cellular blood components with a very low level of plasma protein.
Paragraph 6. Leucocyte-depletion
The introduction of any leucocyte depletion process either by
filtration or special centrifugation technique needs careful validation.
An appropriate method should be used for leucocyte counting after
leucocyte depletion. This method should be validated.
The validation should be carried out by the blood establishment using
the manufacturer’s instructions against the requirements for leucocyte
depletion and other quality aspects of the components including
plasma for fractionation.
To enable comparison of filters aimed at leucocyte depletion and to

allow selection between them, the manufacturers should report data
on their system performance under defined conditions. Manufacturers
should also provide performance data to the blood establishment on
variations between different modifications to a given filter type and
between batches.
Mathematical models have been developed to calculate the sample

size necessary to validate and control the leucocyte depletion process
(Chapter 1 Principles of a quality system for blood establishments).
After full validation of the process, tools such as statistical process

control could be used in ongoing process control to detect any change
in the process and/or the procedures.
Particular problems may arise with donations from donors with red
cell abnormalities (e.g. sickle-cell trait) where adequate leucocyte
depletion may not be achieved and more detailed quality control
procedures are necessary (e.g. leucocyte counting of every donation).
The quality of the red cells following filtration processes needs further
investigation.
124
Paragraph 7. Freezing and thawing of plasma

Rationale
Freezing is a critical step in the conservation of plasma Factor VIII.
During freezing, pure ice is formed and the plasma solutes are
concentrated in the remaining water. When the solubility of the solutes
is exceeded, each solute forms crystals but may be influenced by the
anticoagulants used. Further studies on this aspect are ongoing.
The ice formation depends on the rate of heat extraction, whereas

the diffusion rates of the solutes determine their displacement. At
slow freezing rates, the diffusion of solutes copes with the rate of ice
formation; solutes are increasingly concentrated in the middle of a
plasma unit.
Since all solutes are displaced simultaneously, the Factor VIII

molecules are exposed to a high concentration of salts for a prolonged
time and thus inactivated. At a high freezing rate, the ice formation
overtakes the solute displacement and small clusters of solidified solute
are homogeneously trapped in the ice without prolonged contact
between highly concentrated salts and Factor VIII.
To achieve the highest yield of Factor VIII, plasma should be frozen

to – 30 ºC or below.
Decrease of Factor VIII during freezing occurs when the solidification

of plasma takes more than one hour. This can be monitored by
measuring the total protein content of a core sample of the frozen
plasma; this protein concentration should be identical with the total
protein content of plasma before freezing. An optimal freezing rate
is obtainable when a heat extraction of 38 kcal per hour per unit of
plasma is achieved, and can be monitored by the use of thermocouples.
In order to effectively incorporate these techniques into a coherent

daily routine, the blood bank staff has to be familiar with the thinking
behind the technique as well as its potential limitations and pitfalls.
125
Methods of freezing
When freezing plasma, the rate of cooling should be as rapid as
possible and optimally should bring the core temperature down to
– 30 ºC or below within 60 minutes.
Experience has shown that without the use of a snap-freezer it takes
several hours to reach this temperature. The time can be reduced, for
example by the following means:
• plasma should be presented in a regular configuration to maximise
exposure to the freezing process (e.g. bags laid flat or in formers if
vertical), immersion in an environment at very low temperature;
• if a liquid environment is used, it should have been shown that the
container cannot be penetrated by the solvent.
As for the required storage conditions, reference is made to
Paragraph 14 in this Chapter, and the individual monographs.
Methods of thawing
Frozen units should be handled with care since the bags may be brittle.
The integrity of the pack should be verified before and after thawing
to exclude any defects and leakages. Containers which leak must be
discarded. The product should be thawed immediately after removal
from storage in a properly controlled environment at + 37 ºC according
to a validated procedure. After thawing of frozen plasma, the content
should be inspected to ensure that no insoluble cryoprecipitate is
visible on completion of the thaw procedure.
The product should not be used if insoluble material is present. In
order to preserve labile factors, plasma should be used immediately
following thawing. It should not be refrozen.
Thawing of the plasma is an inevitable part of some of the current viral
inactivation processes after which the products may be refrozen. In
order to preserve liable component, the final component should be used
immediately following thawing for clinical use and not further refrozen.
126
Cryoprecipitation
The isolation of some plasma proteins, most importantly Factor VIII,
vWF, fibronectin and fibrinogen, can be achieved by making use of
their reduced solubility at low temperature. In practice, this is done by
freezing units of plasma, thawing and centrifugation at low temperature.
Details regarding the freezing, thawing, and centrifugation conditions
required for cryoprecipitate production, are provided under Standards,
Chapter 5, Part D, Paragraph 3 Cryoprecipitate.
Paragraph 8. Open and Closed systems and sterile

connection devices
It is suggested that any new development in component preparation
involving an open system should be subjected to intensive testing
during the developmental phase for maintenance of sterility.
Blood components prepared by an open system should be used as
quickly as possible.
Components prepared in systems using fully validated sterile
connecting devices may be stored as if prepared in a closed system.
Monitoring should be carried out by pressure testing of all connections
and regular traction tests.
Paragraph 9. Ionising irradiation of blood components

Viable lymphocytes in blood components can cause fatal graft
versus host reaction in severely immunocompromised patients,
e.g. patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy, children with
severe immunodeficiency syndromes and low birth-weight neonates.
Other categories of patients are also at risk of this rare complication
e.g. following intrauterine transfusion, transfusion between family
members and transfusion of HLA- matched components.
Lymphocytes can be rendered non-viable by exposure to ionising
radiation. This treatment does not cause significant harm to other
127
blood components and an irradiated component can therefore safely

be given to all patients.
Irradiated platelets can be used up to their original expiry date.
The use of radiation-sensitive labels to demonstrate that the
component has been irradiated is recommended.
Paragraph 10. Prevention of CMV transmission

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common infectious agent that can be
transmitted by transfusion of blood components. The risk of disease
transmission is highest with fresh components containing mono and
polymorphonuclear leucocytes. CMV infection is often asymptomatic
in healthy persons. Antibodies usually appear 4 to 8 weeks after
infection and can be demonstrated in standard screening tests. Since
the infection is common, the test has to be repeated on each donation
from a previously sero negative donor.
Infection caused by this virus is usually not clinically significant in

immuno-competent recipients, but can cause severe, even fatal, disease
in certain patients not previously exposed to the virus:
• transplant recipients;
• patients with severe immuno-deficiency;
• foetus (intra-uterine transfusion);
• anti-CMV negative pregnant women;
• low weight premature infants and neonates.
These patients should receive components selected or processed to

minimise risk of CMV infectivity. Use of components from anti-
CMV negative donors or leucocyte depleted components significantly
reduces the risk of CMV-transmission and CMV-disease in immuno-
compromised patients. However, neither method nor the combination
can completely avoid transmission from occasional case of CMV-
viremia in the early stage of acute infection.
128
There is no consensus on the requirement for CMV screening in

blood services that undertake universal leucocyte depletion of blood
components. While some services, especially in areas that have a high
seroprevalence of CMV have ceased antibody screening, others believe
that the combination of antibody screening and leucocyte depletion
may confer some additional safety.
Paragraph 11. Pathogen reduction

Systems exist that will remove or reduce the infectivity of a wide
range of microbiological pathogens in blood components. These
procedures are currently available for platelets and plasma, but are
still in development for red blood cells. National transfusion services
should decide individually about the value for implementation of
these systems in the given context taking into account the available
epidemiological and haemovigilance data, and the new possibility of a
proactive attitude towards emerging pathogens.
Paragraph 12. Purity of components

Since blood components are used to correct a known deficit, each
preparation must be subjected to strict quality control. The aim is to
produce “pure” components, but a very high degree of purity can be
difficult and expensive to obtain and might not even be necessary in all
instances. However, it is absolutely necessary to declare the quality and to
be able to make different types of preparations in order to give the clinicians
a reasonable choice for patients with different transfusion demands.
For example, a red cell concentrate can be produced with varying

concentrations of contaminating leucocytes and platelets. A buffy
coat depleted preparation where the majority of the leucocytes and
the platelets have been removed is useful to the majority of recipients
since microaggregate formation during storage will be inhibited. If the
patient has antibodies against leucocyte antigens or if it can be foreseen
that he/she will need a very large number of transfusions, leucocyte
depletion must be much more efficient.
129
In order to institute an adequate scheme of component therapy, all

components must be carefully defined and minimum requirements set.
Clinical users should be informed of the properties of all components.
Paragraph 13. Bacterial safety of blood components

Overview
Although blood collection and processing procedures are intended to
produce non-infectious blood components, bacterial contamination still
may occur. Bacterial quality control testing in all blood components may
be appropriate. However, for whole blood collection, bacterial cultures
of platelets provide the best indication of the overall rate of contami-
nation, provided that the sample for culture is obtained on a suitable
sample volume and at a suitable time post-collection. Surveillance studies
have found rates of contamination as high as 0.4% in single donor plate-
lets, although rates at or below 0.2% more often have been reported. The
causes include occult bacteraemia in the donor, inadequate or contami-
nated skin preparation at the phlebotomy site, coring of a skin plug by
the phlebotomy needle, and breaches of the closed system from equip-
ment defects or mishandling. Platelet components are more likely than
other blood components to be associated with sepsis due to their storage
at room temperature, which is permissive of bacterial growth.
A variety of procedures may be used to obtain a valid platelet sample
for bacterial culture. Aseptic techniques are required in order to
minimise the risk of false positive cultures due to contamination at
the time of sampling or upon inoculation in culture. Additionally,
it is prudent to retain a sample that can be used for repeat culture
to validate a positive result. Large volume samples removed from
a several unit platelet pool or single donor apheresis unit can be
cultured any time post collection. However small volume samples
(e.g. 2-5 mL removed from a single whole blood unit) should be taken
for culture after a 48 hour delay post-collection. The delayed sampling
of a small volume permits bacterial growth to a level that subsequent
assays will reliably detect, thereby overcoming sampling errors at low
contamination levels.
130
Quality control for aseptic collection and processing of

blood components
The goal of quality control testing for bacterial contamination should be
to assure that blood collection and processing procedures conform to
current standards. Statistically defined sampling of platelets for culture
(or nucleic acid testing) by a validated method will provide a reliable
indication of the rate of contamination for all the blood components.
Quality control testing may be of value in long term process control, if
validated and conducted according to an appropriate statistical plan.
Based on these considerations one possible approach for monitoring

sterility is as follows:
a. As a quality control for aseptic collection of blood components,
blood collection centres should determine the rate of bacterial
contamination in platelets at least yearly by culturing 1500 or more
units (about 30 units per week or 5% of units released after 48 hours
of collection, whichever is larger). Standard statistical methods
should be used to identify significant deviations from a baseline
contamination rate not to exceed 0.2%. The chosen method should
be based on a predetermined level of confidence to exclude a
maximum tolerated rate of contamination, and an action limit
should be established.
b. All instances of a positive culture should be investigated promptly
to identify a correctable cause.
c. Whenever the observed rate of bacterial contamination exceeds the
defined action limit, a comprehensive investigation into potential
causes of contamination should be undertaken and all collection
and processing procedures should be revalidated.
Example
A blood centre wishes to establish surveillance to detect bacterial
contamination rates significantly in excess of 0.2%. The following chart
is derived from binomial statistics:
131
Candidate Confidence in Power to detect actual

action limit positive result contamination rate at
no. positive units/
no. sampled units 0.4% 0.6% 0.8% 1.0%
≥ 3 per 400 95.3% 22% 43% 62% 76%
≥ 5 per 800 97.6% 22% 52% 77% 90%
≥ 7 per 1600 95.5% 46% 84% 97% 99.6%
The blood centre collects 12 units of platelets per day, five days per
week. Cultures of units released after 48 hours, plus outdated units,
number 30 units per week that are processed as 6 weekly cultures
of five unit pools. An action limit is set to revalidate the collection
procedures if the observed contamination rate exceeds 0.42% for
yearly samples of 1560 units. The action limit was established based
on an expected contamination rate of 0.2%, a sample size of 1560,
and a cut-off determined as baseline plus 2-sigma variation. For this
scheme, the likelihood of rejecting a conforming process is 4.5% (once
every 22 years). The confidence levels (i.e. power) to exclude actual
contamination rates of 1%, 0.8% and 0.6% are 99.6%, 97% and 84%
respectively.
Over a one-year period, 7 positive platelet pools are identified,
traceable to 7 individual units. The individual cases were investigated,
but no attributable cause was identified. The observed contamination
rate of 7/1560 = 0.45% exceeds the action level. Confidence that
the actual contamination rate exceeds 0.2% is greater than 95%. An
intensive review is conducted, and all collection and processing
procedures are revalidated.
Release as culture-negative to date

Routine pre-release bacteriological testing of all platelets to establish
a criterion for issue of platelets as “culture-negative to date” obviates
recommendations in “Quality control of aseptic collection and pro-
cessing of blood components”. Sampling of platelets for the purpose of
establishing a release criterion based on a negative result of bacterial
132
cultures requires that the integrity of the closed system should be

maintained. This is because platelets may continue to be stored for
a variable period after sampling and before use. Suitable methods
of sampling in this case would include the use of integral satellite
containers, or stripping, refilling, and then pinching off duplicate
pigtails. Sampling also may be done into collection containers via the
use of sterile connecting devices.
Paragraph 14. Storage of blood components

Storage conditions for blood components are designed to preserve
optimal viability and function during the whole storage period. The
risk of bacterial contamination decreases substantially if only closed
separation and storage systems are used.
Equipment
Blood components are stored at + 20 °C to + 24 °C, at + 2 °C to + 6 °C
or at different temperatures below 0 °C. Whatever type of storage
device is chosen, the following points should be considered before
purchase:
i. refrigerators and freezers must have surplus capacity. The space
should be easy to inspect;
ii. the operation must be reliable and temperature distribution must
be uniform within the unit;
iii. the equipment must have temperature recording and alarm devices;
iv. the equipment should be easy to clean and should withstand strong
detergents. It should also conform to local safety requirements.
Storage at + 2 °C to + 6 °C
The space for each of the component types should be clearly indicated.
The temperature within the unit should be recorded continuously. The
sensor of the temperature monitoring device should be placed within
a blood bag filled with 10% glycerol solution to a volume of 250 mL or
a volume equivalent to the normal volume of the stored component.
133
This container should be placed in the upper part of the refrigerated

space. In large refrigerated rooms, 2 such sensors should be applied.
The alarm system should preferably have both acoustic and optical
signals and should be tested regularly.
Refrigerators for blood components should ideally be connected to a
reserve power unit as well as the main supply.
Storage of frozen plasma components

Freezers with automatic defrosting should be avoided unless it can be
guaranteed that the low temperature is maintained during defrosting.
Freezers should ideally be connected to a reserve power source as well
as the main supply.
Storage at + 20 °C to + 24 °C

Platelets are stored at + 20 °C to + 24 °C. A closed device that permits
temperature control is recommended. If such a device is unavailable,
the space chosen should be capable of maintaining the required
constant temperature.
The platelets should be stored in agitators which should:
• enable satisfactory mixing in the bag as well as gas exchange
through the wall of the bag;
• avoid folding of the bags;
• have a set speed to avoid foaming.
Aspects of red cell preservation

The anticoagulant solutions used in blood collection have been deve-
loped to prevent coagulation and to permit storage of red cells for a
certain period of time. While originally designed for whole blood storage,
they have also been used in blood from which components are prepared.
All of the solutions contain sodium citrate, citric acid and glucose,
some of them may also contain adenine, guanosine and phosphate.
134
Citrate binds calcium and prevents clotting of the blood. Glucose is

used by the red cell during storage and each glucose molecule gives
2 molecules of adenosine tri phosphate (ATP) which is formed by
phosphorylation of adenosine di phosphate (ADP). ATP is an energy-
rich molecule which is used to support the energy-demanding
functions of the red cell, such as membrane flexibility and certain
membrane transport functions. During its action in energy-consuming
operations, ATP is transferred back to ADP. Citric acid is added to the
anticoagulant in order to obtain a hydrogen ion concentration which
is suitably high at the beginning of storage at + 4 °C. Without this
addition the blood would be too alkaline at storage temperature.
During storage, an increasing acidity occurs which reduces glycolysis.
The content of adenosine nucleotides (ATP, ADP, AMP) decreases
during storage. By addition of adenine which is a main component
in the adenosine nucleotides, the red cells can synthesise new AMP,
ADP and ATP and compensate for (or reduce) the losses. When red
cell concentrates are prepared, a considerable part of the glucose and
adenine is removed with the plasma. If not compensated for in other
ways (e.g. larger amount than normal of adenine and glucose in the
anticoagulant or by separate addition of a suspension/preservative
medium), sufficient viability of the red cells can only be maintained
if the cells are not over-concentrated. Normal CPD adenine red cell
concentrate should therefore not have an Hct above 0.70 on average.
This also keeps the viscosity sufficiently low to permit transfusion of
the concentrate without pre administration dilution.
Additive solutions
An additive solution should allow maintenance of red cell viability
even if more than 90% of the plasma is removed. The use of glucose
and adenine is necessary for the maintenance of red blood cell post-
transfusion viability, phosphate may be used to enhance glycolysis,
and other substances may be used to prevent in vitro haemolysis (i.e.
mannitol, citrate). Sodium chloride or di-sodium phosphate may be
used to give the additive solution a suitable osmotic strength.
135
Microaggregates
Platelets and leucocytes rapidly lose their viability at + 4 °C. They
form microaggregates which are present in considerable amounts even
after 3 to 4 days’ storage of whole blood and even more so in red cell
concentrates. Microaggregates can pass through the filters of ordinary
blood transfusion sets. They are considered to be able to cause
decreased lung function by blocking the lung capillaries and this may
be of clinical importance in massive transfusions. Removal of platelets
during component preparation reduces microaggregate formation.
Likewise, leucocyte depletion by buffy coat removal will also reduce
the frequency of febrile transfusion reactions and will help in obtaining
high-grade depletion of leucocytes when leucocyte removal filters are
used for this purpose.
Red cell preparations

The maximum duration of storage (expiry date) should be noted on
each container. This duration may vary with the type of preparation
(concentration of cells, formula of anticoagulant, use of additive
solution, etc.) and should be determined for each type on the basis
of achieving a mean 24 hours post transfusion survival of no less
than 75% of the transfused red cells.
Red cells may be stored in the fluid state at a controlled temperature

of + 2 °C to + 6 °C. The performance of the storage refrigerator must
itself be carefully controlled. The maximum duration of storage (expiry
date) must be noted on each container.
Red cells in the frozen state should be prepared and reconstituted

according to an approved protocol, be stored at – 60 °C to – 80 °C or
below, and produce satisfactory post transfusion survival figures.
Platelet preparations
Platelets must be stored under conditions which guarantee that their
viability and haemostatic activities are optimally preserved (see
Standards).
136
Plastic bags intended for platelet storage should be sufficiently

permeable to gases to guarantee availability of oxygen to platelets
and diffusion of carbon dioxide. The amount of oxygen required is
dependent on the number of platelets and the concentration thereof
in the component. Lack of oxygen increases anaerobic glycolysis and
lactic acid production. The quality of platelets is preserved if the pH
stays continuously above 6.4 under storage period used.
Agitation of platelets during storage should be sufficient to guarantee

availability of oxygen but as gentle as possible to prevent induction of
activation and storage lesion of platelets. Storage temperature should
be + 20 °C to + 24 °C. Below + 20 °C platelets undergo membrane
phase transition and cold activation and the discoid platelet structure
gradually converts to a sphere.
Granulocyte preparations
Ordinarily, granulocyte suspensions are prepared for a specific patient
and administered immediately.
Plasma components
Recommended storage conditions for fresh frozen plasma and cryo-
precipitate and for cryoprecipitate depleted plasma are given in the
Table below.
Product1 Length of storage and temperature2
Fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate 36 months at or below – 25 °C

and cryoprecipitate-depleted plasma 3 months at – 18 °C to – 25 °C
1 For plasma intended for fractionation refer to the appropriate Ph. Eur. monograph.
2 The recommended temperature ranges are based upon practical refrigeration
conditions.
137
Paragraph 15. Transportation of blood components

Blood components should be transported by a system which has
been validated to maintain the recommended storage temperature of
the component over the proposed maximum time and extremes of
ambient temperature of transport. It is recommended that some form
of temperature indicator be used to monitor the in transit temperature.
Also the temperature on receipt can be monitored as follows: take
2 bags from the container, place a thermometer between the bags
and fix them together with rubber bands. Quickly replace them into
the container and close the lid. Read the temperature after 5 minutes.
Alternatively an electronic sensing device may be used to take
immediate measurements from the surface of a pack.
On receipt, if not intended for immediate transfusion, the product
should be transferred to storage under recommended conditions.
Transport of red cell components
Red cell components should be kept between + 2 °C and + 6 °C. The
temperature of red cell bags should not go below + 1 °C nor exceed
+ 10 °C. Validated transport systems are to ensure that at the end of a
maximum transit time of 24 hours the temperature has not exceeded
+ 10 °C.
Transport of platelet components
During transport platelets components cannot be agitated and
therefore oxygen delivery to platelets is reduced. The agitation of
platelets can be interrupted (simulated shipping conditions) for up to
30 hours either for one or two to three periods without major effect on
the in vitro quality of platelets at the end of storage time of 5 or 7 days.
The pH of the platelet components is better preserved when agitation
is interrupted for several short periods as compared to one long period.
Platelet components should be transported in an insulated container
with temperature stabilising elements which ensure transport
temperature as close as possible to recommended storage temperature.
138
The transport time without agitation should not exceed 24 hours.

On receipt, unless intended for immediate therapeutic use, platelet
components should be transferred to storage under recommended
conditions including further agitation.
The impact of transport conditions on the quality of platelet com-
ponents should be validated by quality control tests, e.g. swirling tests
and pH measurements of components at the end of storage period.
Transport of frozen plasma components
Frozen plasma components should be transported in the frozen state
as close as possible to the recommended storage temperature.
Paragraph 16. Component information and principles of

labelling
Before use all containers should be labelled with relevant information
of their identity. The type of label to be used as well as the labelling
methodology should be established in written procedures. Critical
information should where possible be provided in machine readable
format to eliminate transcription errors.
The blood establishment responsible for the processing of the blood
component should supply the person(s) using the blood component
with information on its use, composition, and special conditions that
do not appear on the label.
Blood components for autologous use should be labelled as such.
Brief information about the various blood components should be
made available to clinicians with regard to composition, indications,
storage and transfusion practices.
This would include that the blood must not be used for transfusion if
there is abnormal haemolysis or other deterioration and that all blood
components must be administered through a 150-200 µm filter, if not
otherwise stated. The information should be presented to the clinicians
in a booklet and/or in a product information leaflet.
139
The labelling of blood components should comply with the relevant

national legislation and international agreements. Each single blood
container must be uniquely identified by the identity number and
the component description, preferably in eye and machine readable
codes, allowing full traceability to the donor and the collection, testing,
processing, storage, release, distribution and transfusion of the blood
component.
The label on the component ready for distribution should contain
eye readable information necessary for safe transfusion, i.e. the
unique identity number (preferably consisting of a code for the
responsible blood collection organisation, the year of donation and
a serial number), the ABO and RhD blood group, the name of the
blood component and essential information about the properties and
handling of the blood component, the expiry date.
140
Chapter 5
Principles of blood component

monographs
Monographs with detailed information are given in the Standards

Section for typical categories of blood components:
A. Whole blood
B. Red cells
C. Platelets
D. Plasma
E. White cells
The given blood components in the monographs are to be regarded as
standard blood components across Europe. However, it can be stated
that some components are in use only in few countries. Based on
future consensus the number of variant components may be reduced.
The component monographs have a standardized structure, which
encompasses:
1. Definition and properties
Here information is given about the component including its origin,
the active constituents and contaminating cells if appropriate.
2. Preparation
Here a short description is given about the method of preparation. It
differentiates between primary and secondary processing. Primary
processing results in different blood components each of which is
141
described in Chapter 5 of the Standards Section. Secondary processing

leads to variant preparations which are very similar to the primary
component and do not differ in handling, release and application. More
detailed information about the preparation process is available from
Chapter 4 of the Principles Section.
3. Requirements and quality control
Typical component specific handling and testing for quality control are
given in tables formatted as below.
Parameter to be
Requirements Frequency of control
checked
If appropriate, the requirements may be met by performing the test on

the donation sample taken as part of the donor screening process, in
lieu of individual component testing.
Quality control may be carried out either as a separate quality control
procedure for the given component or as a routine part of the issue
and transfusion of these components. Detailed information on the
preparation processes are given in Chapter 4 Principles of blood
component preparation.
4. Storage and transport
Typical mandatory storage and transport conditions for the respective
blood components are given. Detailed and descriptive information
about the process of storage and transport is given in Chapter 4
Principles of blood component preparation.
5. Labelling
The labelling should comply with the relevant national legislation and
international agreements. The given information should be shown on
the label or contained in the component information leaflet.
6. Warnings
Typical warnings and side-effects are given that should be communicated
to the physician in a written form as in a component information leaflet.
142
Chapter 6
Principles of blood components for

fetal, neonatal and infant use
Specially designed blood components are required for intrauterine and
infant transfusions. The following factors must be considered when
transfusing neonates: (1) smaller blood volume, (2) reduced metabolic
capacity, (3) higher haematocrit and (4) an immature immunological
system. All these aspects are particularly important in fetal trans-
fusions and for small premature infants. There is a significant risk of
GvHD and CMV transmission when the foetus or small infants are
transfused.
These patients should receive components selected or processed to
minimise the risk of CMV transmission.
There are specific national regulations or guidelines for pretransfusion
blood grouping and compatibility testing of neonates.
Components for intrauterine transfusions
All components for intrauterinetransfusion (IUT) must be irradiated.
To minimise the effect of potassium load, Red Cells for IUT must be
used within five days from donation and within 24 hours of irradiation.
143
Indications for use:

• Intrauterine Red Cell transfusions are performed to treat severe
fetal anaemia.
• Intrauterine platelets are administered for the correction of
severe thrombocytopenia which may be due to antenatal HPA
alloimmunisation.
Components for neonatal exchange transfusion
Exchange transfusion is a special type of massive transfusion. The
components used must be fresh enough so that metabolic and
haemostatic disturbances can be minimised.
A number of components can be utilised for exchange transfusion,
including:
• Whole Blood, LD;
• Whole Blood, LD, Plasma Reduced;
• Red Cells, LD, re-suspended in Fresh Frozen Plasma.
ABO and Rh groups, as well as other red cell antigens to which the
mother has become sensitised have to be taken into account when
selecting blood for exchange transfusion.
Whole blood and red cell components for exchange transfusion should
be irradiated unless compelling clinical circumstances indicate that
delay would compromise clinical outcome. Irradiation is essential if
the infant has had a previous IUT.
To minimise the effect of potassium load, whole blood and red cells
components must be used within five days from donation and within
24 hours of irradiation. For reconstituted components, the shelf-life is
24 hours.
• Exchange transfusions of neonates.
• These components are also suitable for large volume (massive)
transfusion of neonates and small infants.
144
• If the platelet count of the infant undergoing/following exchange or

other massive transfusion is very low, specific platelet transfusion
should be given.
Red cells for neonatal and infant small volume transfusion
Preterm infants are amongst the most intensively transfused of all
hospital patients and have the greatest potential for long-term survival.
Minimising the number of donor exposures is therefore a central aim
in designing proper components and guiding transfusion practice.
Therefore, it is good practice is to divide a component unit into
several sub batches and dedicate all the satellite units from a donation
for a single patient. Because fresh blood and red cells are used in
intrauterine and exchange transfusions it is often thought that fresh
blood is necessary for all neonatal transfusions. There is no scientific
or clinical evidence to support this concept in the case of small volume,
top-up transfusions, provided that transfusion rates are carefully
controlled.
The component may be irradiated where clinically indicated. If the
component is irradiated, it should be used within 48 hours.
• anaemia of prematurity;
• to replace the blood losses of investigative sampling;
• suitable for surgical replacement for infants and other children.
Fresh Frozen plasma for neonatal and infant use

In order to reduce donor exposure, a fresh frozen plasma (FFP) unit
can be divided into approximately equal volumes into satellite packs,
prior to freezing, by using a closed or functionally closed system.
Three to four of such bags are dedicated to one patient.
ABO blood group compatible plasma should be used. National
requirements may require the use of plasma only from AB RhD-
negative and positive donors.
145

• Fresh frozen plasma may be used in coagulation defects, particularly
in those clinical situations in which a multiple coagulation deficit
exists and only where no suitable viral inactivated alternative is
available.
• Congenital deficiency of single clotting factors where no virally
inactivated concentrate exists.
Contra-indications:
• FFP should not be used simply to correct a volume deficit in
babies in the absence of a coagulation defect nor as a source of
immunoglobulins.
• FFP should not be used where a suitable virally inactivated clotting
factor concentrate is available.
• FFP should not be used in a patient with intolerance to plasma
protein.
Platelets for neonatal and infant use
When preparing platelets for infants every effort should be made to
minimise donor exposure.
Platelets, Apheresis, offers the greatest potential to reduce donor
exposure and can be divided into satellite packs by using a closed
system as for FFP.
Volume Reduction: the clinical situation of a small child may
necessitate the use of volume reduced platelets; volume reduction to
around 25 mL causes about 10% loss of platelets. Platelets after volume
reduction should be used as soon as possible.
The platelet component must be used within 24 hours of any washing
procedure and within 6 hours of any concentration process.
The platelet component should be irradiated where clinically indicated.
Control the rate of transfusion to avoid excessive fluctuations in blood
volume.
Indications for use: severe neonatal thrombocytopenia of any cause.
146
Chapter 7
Principles of autologous predeposit

transfusion
Several autologous transfusion techniques may be useful in surgery.
They were designed to avoid the risks of alloimmune complications
of blood transfusion, and reduce the risk of transfusion-associated
infectious complications. This chapter deals with autologous predeposit
donations.
Autologous predeposit blood components can be obtained from
pre-operative autologous predeposit whole blood donations in the
weeks preceding surgery. In selected conditions, red cell or platelet
concentrates can be collected using a cell separator: the equivalent
of 2 to 3 red cell concentrates, or 4 to 10 standard platelet concentrate
can be collected in a single procedure.
Autologous predeposit blood components obtained from pre-
operative donations must be collected, prepared and stored in the
same conditions as allogeneic donations. For these reasons, autologous
predeposit autologous donations must be done in or under the control
of blood establishments or in authorised clinical departments which
are subject to the same rules and controls of this activity as blood
establishments (see Standards).
147
Acute normovolemic haemodilution is the collection of blood

immediately before surgery, with blood volume compensation, leading
to a haematocrit below 0.32, with reinfusion during or after surgery.
Red cell salvage during surgery is another means of autologous
transfusion. Blood collected from operation site may be given back
to the patient either after a simple filtration, or a washing procedure.
These techniques do not allow the storage of the collected blood. They
are usually performed under the responsibility of anaesthesiologists
and/or surgeons.
Paragraph 2. Selection of patients for autologous

predeposit transfusion
Role of the physician in charge of the patient
In elective surgery situations where a blood transfusion is expected, the
physician in charge of the patient, usually the anaesthesiologist or the
surgeon, may prescribe pre-operative donations.
The prescription should indicate:
• the diagnosis;
• the type and number of components required;
• the date and location of the scheduled surgery.
The patient should be informed of the respective risks and constraints
of autologous and allogeneic transfusion, and that allogeneic
transfusion may also have to be used if necessary.
In case of contra-indication, the physician in charge of blood collection
informs the patient and the physician in charge of the patient.
Contra-indications of autologous predeposit donations

Autologous predeposit donation may be carried out safely in elderly
patients. However, more careful consideration may need to be given in
the case of a patient aged more than 70 years.
148
Children under 10 kg should not be included in an autologous

predeposit donation programme. For children between 10 and 20 kg,
the use of volume compensation solutions is usually needed.
Autologous predeposit donation should not be done in patients with

haemoglobin concentration below 100 g/L.
In patients with haemoglobin concentration between 100 and 110 g/L,

autologous predeposit donation may be discussed according to the
number of scheduled donations and the aetiology of the anaemia.
It is recommended that patients positive for the following virological

markers should not be included in a autologous predeposit donation
programme HBV, HCV, HIV and (when required) HTLV.
The presence of a cardiac disease is not an absolute contra-indication,

and autologous predeposit donation may be done, subject to the
assessment of a cardiologist, if needed. However patients with certain
unstable clinical conditions such as unstable angina, severe aortic
stenosis, or uncontrolled hypertension must not normally be included
in an autologous predeposit donation programme.
Medications
Oral iron may be given to patients before the first donation and until
surgery.
Any use of erythropoietin should comply with the product marketing
authorisation.
Records
The following records should be maintained (see also the standards):
• the concurrent use of peri-operative autologous transfusion
techniques;
• the technique and the volume of autologous blood reinjected;
• the use of allogeneic blood components.
149
Paragraph 3. Autologous predeposit components

preparation, storage and distribution
Autologous predeposit blood components are prepared, stored and
distributed according to the same regulations as homologous blood
components.
Labelling
The labelling should comply with the relevant national legislation and
international agreements.
Storage
Autologous predeposit plasma may be used as a volume expander
until 72 hours after thawing, provided that it is stored in controlled
conditions between + 2 ºC and + 6 ºC. Otherwise autologous
predeposit components must be stored under the same conditions as
their allogeneic counterparts but clearly separated from them.
Records
Blood establishments and hospitals should both maintain the
following records for every patient included in a autologous predeposit
transfusion programme:
• the date and type of surgery;
• the name of the anaesthesiologist or the surgeon;
• the time of transfusion, specifying whether used during surgery or
post-operative;
• the actual use of the prepared pre-operative autologous blood
components;
• the concurrent use of peri-operative autologous transfusion
techniques;
• the technique and the volume of autologous blood reinjected;
• the use of allogeneic blood components;
• the occurrence of any adverse reaction related.
150
Chapter 8
Principles of blood group serology
The aim of any blood transfusion laboratory is to perform the right
test, on the right sample and obtain the right results ensuring that the
right blood component is issued to the right patient. It is essential to
obtain accurate results for tests such as ABO/RhD grouping on the
donor and patient, antibody screening and compatibility testing.
Errors at any stage of performing such tests can lead to incompatible
or inappropriate blood being transfused with significant adverse
health affects on patients. These errors can be due to either technical
failure in serological testing or inadequate procedures leading to
misidentification of patient or donor samples, transcription errors or
misinterpretation of results. Haemovigilance data indicate that in some
cases, a combination of factors contribute to error, with the original
error being perpetuated or compounded by the lack of adequate
checking procedures within the laboratory or at the bedside.
The implementation of a quality management system will help to
reduce the number of technical and more often procedural errors
made in the laboratory. These include quality assurance measures
such as use of standard operating procedures, staff training, periodic
assessment of the technical competence of staff, documentation and
validation of techniques, reagents and equipment, procedures that
monitor day-to-day reproducibility of test results and methods to
detect errors in the analytical procedure.
151
Paragraph 2. Validation and quality assurance

Only tests that have been licensed or evaluated and considered suitable
by the responsible Health Authorities can be used.
In the EU, blood group reagents are considered as in vitro diagnostic

devices and must be CE marked. EU Directive 98/79/EC classified
the ABO RhD, Kell test serum and A and B cells in list A. The manu-
facturer must have a full Quality System certified by an authorised body
and submit an application containing all the control results for each lot.
The Council of Europe has issued requirements for blood grouping,

and antiglobulin reagents (European Agreement on the exchange of
blood grouping reagents, European Treaty Series, No. 39). Summarised
requirements are included in the tables of this chapter.
Validation of reagents
Parameter to Frequency
Requirements
be checked of control
REAGENT RED CELLS
No haemolysis or turbidity in the supernatant

Appearance Each lot
by visual inspection
Reactivity and Clear-cut reactions with selected reagents

Each lot
specificity against declared RBC antigens
ABO-TYPING REAGENTS
No precipitate, particles or gel-formation by Each new

Appearance
visual inspection lot
No immune haemolysis, rouleaux formation or

prozone phenomenon. Clear-cut reactions with
Reactivity and Each new
RBC bearing the weakened expression of the
specificity lot
corresponding antigen(s), no false reactions. (see
also quality control of ABO- and Rh-typing)
152
Undiluted reagent should give a 3 to 4 plus reaction

in saline tube test using a 3% RBC suspension at
Each new
Potency room temperature. For polyclonal reagents, titres
lot
should be of 128 for anti-A, anti-B and anti-AB
with A1 and B cells; 64 with A2 and A2B cells
Rh-TYPING REAGENTS
No precipitate, particles or gel-formation by

Appearance Each lot
visual inspection
Reactivity and Each new

As for ABO- typing reagents
specificity lot
Undiluted serum to give a 3 to 4 plus reaction

in the designated test for each serum and a titre
Each new
Potency of 32 for anti-RhD and of 16 for anti-C, anti-E,
lot
anti-c, anti-e and anti-CDE using appropriate
heterozygous red blood cells
ANTIGLOBULIN SERUM

Appearance Each lot
visual inspection
a. No haemolytic activity; no agglutination of

RBC of any ABO group after incubation with Each lot
compatible serum
b. Agglutination of RBC sensitised with

anti-RhD serum containing not more
Each lot
Reactivity and than 10-nanograms/mL antibody activity
specificity (0.05 IU/mL antibody activity)
c. Agglutination of RBC sensitised with a

complement-binding alloantibody (e.g. anti-
Each new
Jka) to a higher titre in the presence than in
lot
the absence of complement or agglutination
of RBC coated with C3b and C3d
153
ALBUMIN
Appearance Each lot
visual inspection
No agglutination of unsensitised RBC; no

Reactivity haemolytic activity; no prozone or “tailing” Each lot
phenomena
PROTEASE
Appearance Each lot
visual inspection
No agglutination or haemolysis using
compatible AB-serum
Reactivity Each lot
Agglutination of RBC sensitised with a weak
IgG anti-RhD
No agglutination of unsensitised RBC; no Each new
haemolytic activity lot
SALINE
Appearance Each day
visual inspection
0.154 mol/L Each new
NaCl content
(= 9 g/L) lot
Each new
lot for
pH pH 6.6-7.6
buffered
saline
LOW IONIC STRENGTH SOLUTION (LISS)
Appearance No turbidity or particles on visual inspection Each lot
Each new
pH 6.7 (range 6.5-7.0).
lot
154
Quality control
The quality control procedures in blood group serology can be
divided into controls for equipment, reagents and techniques. This
classification is considered to provide clarity, in spite of partial
overlapping, especially between controls for reagents and techniques.
Quality control of equipment

Equipment used in transfusion serology, in particular centrifuges,
and automatic cell washers, water baths, incubators, refrigerators
and freezers should undergo regular quality controls. Equipment for
automated blood grouping should also be controlled systematically,
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Quality control of reagents

Quality control procedures recommended in this section may basically
be applied to reagents used for manual and for automated techniques.
However, reagents for blood grouping machines may have special
quality requirements and more detailed controls; the manufacturers of
the equipment usually supply these.
Quality control of techniques

Provided that the quality of equipment and reagents fulfil the
requirements, false results are due to the technique itself, either
because of inadequacy of the method or, more often, because of
operational errors as a consequence of inaccurate performance or
incorrect interpretation.
Internal quality control

The quality control procedures recommended in this section are
focused on the techniques but they will of course also disclose poor
quality of equipment and/or reagents.
155
156
Parameter Minimal requirements Frequency
Control samples
to be checked for testing of control
Test twice in using 2 different
Each test series or
reagents. Use of 2 different
at least once a day
reagents1: monoclonal anti-A One blood sample of each of the
1. ABO-grouping provided the same
and anti-B from different clones; following types: O, A1, B
reagents are used
human antisera anti-A, anti-B and
throughout.
anti-A,B from different batches2.
Each test series or
at least once a day
2. ABO
Use of A and B cells. provided the same
reverse-grouping
reagents are used
throughout.
Testing twice in using 2 anti-RhD

reagents from different clones
or batches; use of the indirect
Each test series or
anti-globulin test for weak D
at least once a day
Confirmation in donors, where One RhD-pos, one RhD-neg
3. RhD-grouping provided the same
required. It must be ascertained sample
reagents are used

that the system recognises the
throughout.
most important D variants
(notably D variants category VI) as
RhD positive.
4. Rh and other Positive control: RBC with tested Monoclonal
blood group antigen in single dose. antibodies and
Use specific reagents.
systems Negative control: RBC without human antisera
phenotyping tested antigen. once a day
5. Antiglobulin
Washing the cells at least 3 times Addition of sensitised blood cells
testing tube Each negative test
before antiglobulin is added. to negative test
technique
Serum samples with an amount
of immune anti-A and immune
anti-B respectively above and
6. Testing for high- Use of A1 – and B – RBC, Titration below the accepted saline
titre anti-A and in saline or in antiglobulin test agglutination titre of anti-A and/or Each test series
anti-B (in donors) with plasma (serum) diluted 1:50. anti-B(16).
Using antiglobulin test one control
sample should give positive result
and the other negative result.
Occasional input
7. Testing for by the supervisor
irregular allo- Use of antiglobulin test or other Serum samples with known of the laboratory
antibodies (in tests with the same sensitivity. RBC- alloantibodies and participation in
donors) external proficiency
testing exercises
157
158
Use of at least the indirect
8. Testing for antiglobulin test or manual or
irregular automated testing with equivalent
As for 7 As for 7
alloantibodies (in sensitivity and homozygous RBC
patients) for the main clinically important
antigens.
9. Compatibility
testing (including
ABO and D-typing Use of at least the indirect
in donor and antiglobulin test manual or
As for 7 As for 7
recipient RBC and automated testing with equivalent
test for irregular sensitivity.
antibodies in
patient serum)
Typing – as 1, 2, 3 and 4 with at

least antiglobulin test, against a
Each test series but
10. Type and screen panel of cells chosen to provide As for 7
at least daily
homozygosity for important
antigens.
1 When reverse grouping is undertaken, the two tests may be performed using the same reagents.
2 If ABO and RhD blood group is already known, a single test is sufficient.
External quality assurance

In external quality assurance, proficiency tests coded “normal” and “prob-
lem” blood samples are distributed from a national or regional reference
laboratory to the participants, at least twice a year. The exercise can be
limited to compatibility testing, since ABO-grouping, Rh-typing and -phe-
notyping as well as alloantibody detection will be automatically included.
The proficiency test panel may consist of four to six blood samples, the
participants being asked to test each RBC against each serum (or plasma)
for compatibility. The panel should be composed in such a way that com-
patible as well as incompatible combinations occur. Asking for titration of
1 or 2 of the detected antibodies may complete the proficiency test.
In the reference centre the results are collated and accuracy scores
determined. The results should be communicated to all participating
laboratories (in coded or uncoded form, according to local agreement) in
order to enable each laboratory to compare its own quality standard with
that of a large number of other laboratories including the reference centre.
If no proficiency programme is available in a particular geographical area,
the laboratory should arrange mutual proficiency testing with another
laboratory. Although such an external quality control will not be as inform-
ative as participation in a comprehensive proficiency-testing programme,
it will be a valuable addition to the internal quality control procedure.
Quality control of antibody quantitation
For practical purposes, RBC antibody quantitation is confined to the
quantitation of anti-RhD. It is recommended that this be carried out by
automated techniques rather than by manual titration, the test serum
being assigned an anti-RhD value expressed in international units per
millilitre after comparison with a curve derived from standard sera. All
sera should be tested in duplicate as a minimum, and all national and
in-house standards calibrated against the international standard for
anti-RhD. Records should be kept of the data derived from processing
the standard sera; these figures should show no more variance than
2 standard deviations. If automated technique is not available, manual
titration by antiglobulin test is recommended.
159
160
Chapter 9
Principles of screening for markers of

infection
Paragraph 1. Overview (general comments for all

mandatory tests)
The quality assurance of screening of donations for infectious markers is
particularly important and implies both general and specific approaches.
Only tests that have been licensed or evaluated and considered
suitable by the responsible Health Authorities can be used. In the
EU, these reagents are considered as in vitro diagnostic devices and
must be CE marked. EU Directive 98/79/EC classifies the HIV, HTLV,
hepatitis B, C screening tests in list A, Appendix II. The manufacturer
must have a full Quality System certified by an authorised body and
submit an application containing all the control results for each lot.
In addition proper validation demonstrates control, generates useful
knowledge of the test and establishes future requirements for e.g.
internal quality control, external quality assurance, calibration and
maintenance of equipment and training of personnel.
There must be special emphasis on training of staff, assessment of staff
competency, maintenance and calibration of equipment, monitoring of
storage conditions of test materials and reagents, with documentation
of all these actions.
Current tests for the screening of donations are based on the detection
of relevant antigen and/or antibody and gene sequences.
161
It is further recommended that the tests include an external weak

positive control in order to allow for statistical process control.
Ideally confirmatory tests should be as sensitive as and more specific
than those used for screening. However, some screening tests are more
sensitive than the available confirmatory tests. It is recommended that
national algorithms be developed to enable consistent resolution of
problems associated with discordant or unconfirmed results.
Paragraph 2. Algorithm for infectious markers screening
and confirmatory testing
The following is an example of a widely used algorithm:

Discard donation Check record if previously
Repeatedly Reactive sample(s) of donation repeatedly reactive3
Screening test1 to confirmatory lab Block in-house products of donor
Counsel and defer donor5

Confirmatory test 2
Positive Confirm results and donor
Results4
identity on a new sample
Donor notification optional
2
Re-instate to donor base
Negative Label donor record as repeat
reactive
Notify and defer donor
Indeterminate Arrange retesting after max
window-period3
Repeatedly reactive
Discard donation
screening test of a donor
Sample(s) of donation Block in-house products of donor
previously screening test
to confirmatory lab
repeatedly reactive3
Notify, advise and defer donor5

Confirmatory test
Positive2 Confirm results and donor
Results4
identity on a new sample
Negative2 Notify and defer donor

Notify and defer donor
Indeterminate 2 Arrange retesting after max
window-period if indicated by
confirmatory lab2, 4
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1. E.g. a repeatedly reactive serological screening test or a positive NAT on a single

donation.
Confirmatory testing is performed in a certified or accredited medical microbiology
reference laboratory, which is responsible for results, and may use tests at its discre-
tion. The confirmatory lab should be kept informed about the type of screening test
used by the blood establishment, and is contracted to use tests at least as sensitive as
screening test and if feasible based on other principles.
2. The confirmatory laboratory is contracted to provide overall confirmatory test
results or interpretation as follows: “positive”, which means infected, “negative”
which means not infected, or “indeterminate”, which means a diagnosis cannot be
established, the latter may include a demand for follow-up testing. In the situation
where a confirmatory test(s) is less sensitive than the screening assay, the conclusion
of confirmatory testing should read: “uncertain” (unless positive).
3. The establishment keeps a donor record allowing longitudinal recording of confir-
matory laboratory test results as: screening test positive, confirmatory lab positive,
negative or indeterminate.
4. The confirmatory laboratory is contracted to keep longitudinal records of unique
donor ID linked to lab test results.
5. Refer donor to a medical doctor (general practitioner or specialist). Inform plasma
fractionation centre(s) if plasma from earlier donation(s) has been issued. Inform
hospital(s) to allow look back if component(s) from earlier donation(s) have been issued.
The specific approach to quality of the screening must rely on the

following categories of measures:
a. Internal day-to-day quality control covering both reagents and
techniques. Batch pre-acceptance testing (BPAT) of new batches
of kits should be performed as an additional quality assurance
measure;
b. External quality checks, in particular confirmation of positive
findings should be carried out by an appropriate laboratory;
c. Occasional internal exercises, using a panel of sera which have been
built up by comparison with standards available;
d. External proficiency exercises, involving the testing of a panel of
sera circulated to laboratories by an approved reference institution;
e. Collection of representative data may be useful to monitor test
performance.
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It is recommended that repeatedly reactive rates and confirmed posi-

tive results of screening for infectious markers and epidemiological
data be collected and monitored at least on a national level as part of a
haemovigilance system. This will allow international comparisons to
be made.
It should be noted that following hepatitis B immunisation, a transient
positive HBsAg result may be obtained.
Paragraph 3. Confirmatory testing

Anti-HIV-1/2, anti-HCV and HBsAg testing
The approaches currently used to confirm HIV or HCV infection
consist of the use of a nationally established algorithm, which may
include alternative Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA),
Western blot or recombinant immunoblots. Tests for antigens and
the use of the Nucleic acid amplification techniques (NAT) may be
of value in the interpretation of uncertain antibody test results. The
positive confirmatory test should be repeated on a further sample
taken between 2 and 4 weeks after the first.
Confirmation of HBsAg reactivity should include specific neutralisation.
The stage of infection of the donor may be determined by anti-HBc
(total and IgM specific) and HBe antigen/antibody (HBeAg/anti-HBe).
Anti-HBc testing
Selected donors may be tested by an approved test that will detect
antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc). The approach
to confirmation should be dependent on a nationally established
algorithm. Supplemental testing, such as anti-HBs and NAT, may
influence local decisions about the acceptability of donors.
Syphilis testing
There is a continuing discussion over the need to test blood donors for
syphilis, but the test may be used as an indicator of risk behaviours for
sexually transmitted diseases and is still required by most countries.
Most centres use either a cardiolipin test employing a lecithin-based
164
antigen either manually or on blood grouping machines, or a test

employing a variant of the Treponema pallidum haemagglutination
assay (TPHA). An ELISA test is occasionally used. Positive syphilis
screening results must ideally be confirmed by TPHA, fluorescent
Treponemal antibody test (FTA), or an immunoblot test.
Anti-HTLV testing
The approach to confirmation is similar to HIV and includes natio-
nally established algorithms as well as specific assays including
immunoblotting and NAT. Sensitive tests for genome detection
including typing may be helpful in defining the infection status of the
donor.
Chagas testing
The blood of persons who were born or have been transfused in
areas where the disease is endemic can be selected to be tested for
T. cruzi antibodies. Plasma for fractionation is exempt from such a test
procedure.
Paragraph 4. Nucleic acid screening (HCV- and HIV-NAT)

in mini-pools
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP)
recommended for HCV a strategy of pretesting by manufacturers of
mini-pools (of donations or of samples representative of donations)
in order to avoid the loss of a complete manufacturing pool and to
facilitate tracing back to the donor in the event of a positive test result.
In order to achieve a sensitivity which will detect 5000 IU/mL of
HCV RNA for donations which are tested in mini-pools of say 100;
50 IU/mL should be detected with 95% confidence by the NAT assay.
Each assay run should include an external run control (usually at
3 times the 95% detection limit). This reagent must be reactive in every
run. The external run control may be omitted if the test is licensed
(CE marked) with other procedures to warrant robustness.
165
Paragraph 5. Additional serological testing

CMV testing
Testing for CMV antibody is most commonly performed using ELISA
and Latex particle agglutination test. The screening of donations for
anti-CMV negativity will enable the formation of a panel of anti-CMV
negative donations for use in highly susceptible patients.
Malaria testing
At present, only a few reliable and robust malaria antibody tests are
commercially available. Any malarial antibody testing requirement
requires integration within local approaches to donor history taking.
If malaria antibody testing is used to determine donor acceptance or
rejection, the test employed should be shown to detect antibodies to
the malaria types that are likely to pose a risk through transmission by
transfusion. NAT for malaria cannot at present be recommended for
use in blood donor selection, as it may fail to detect a small number of
parasites in a blood donation that is nevertheless sufficient to infect a
transfusion recipient. Confirmation of reactivity in malaria antibody
tests should be performed by a competent and certified reference
laboratory able to define the infectious state of the donor. Users need
to be aware that assays may depend on the detection of heterotypic
antibodies. Users must ensure that the assay detects antibody to the
Plasmodium species prevalent in their donor panel.
166
Chapter 10
Principles of pre-transfusion and

transfusion measures
Paragraph 1. Blood group serological investigations

These include blood typing, antibody screening and compatibility
testing before transfusion of red cell components.
Blood typing
It is further recommended that antibody screening for the detection of
irregular red cell antibodies be carried out in conjunction with patient
blood typing.
The normal procedure is to make the investigations in due time before
expected transfusions, e.g. in elective surgery. However in emergency
situations blood typing may be carried out in parallel with transfusion
of the blood components.
Compatibility testing
The basis for compatibility is a correctly determined ABO and RhD
blood type in donor and recipient.
It is recommended as a routine procedure even when no antibodies
have been found but may be omitted if other measures (e.g. type and
screen, see below) are taken to guarantee safety. The compatibility
testing shall include a sufficiently reliable and validated technique to
guarantee detection of irregular red cell antibodies, such as the indirect
antiglobulin technique.
167
Type and screen

A type and screen procedure, where used as a replacement for
compatibility testing, must include:
• a reliable and validated, preferably by computer, checking
procedure when the blood units are delivered;
• reagent red cells which cover all antigens, preferably homozygous,
corresponding to the vast majority of clinically important
antibodies;
• sufficiently sensitive techniques for the detection of red cell
antibodies;
• laboratory records of tests performed and of the disposition of all
units handled (including patient identification).
Paragraph 2. Pre-transfusion measures

Identification of patient at blood sampling
Patient identification should be indicated on the tube label at the
time of sampling. Family name and given name and date of birth are
minimal requirements for identification but should be supplemented
by a unique, medical identification. In newborn infants, the gender
and the number on the identification wrist band is noted in addition.
If it is not possible to establish a patients’ identity, a unique series
of numbers may be used on wrist bands and attached to the patient
according to specified rules.
The identification system should link the patient identification, the
operator, the blood sample through processing and the blood component
and should confirm the original patient identification at the time of
blood administration. Emphasis must be placed on error recognition.
At the time of sampling, the data on the tube label must be checked
either by asking the patient to state his/her name and date of birth,
and/or by reading these or other data on a wrist band securely attached
to the patient. This identity control shall be done even if the patient is
known to the venipuncturist.
168
Blood samples which are inappropriately labelled should always be

refused for blood typing and/or compatibility testing.
The time when transfusion is started, interrupted and stopped, must
be clearly marked in patient records as well as vital signs or any others
symptoms suspected from transfusion reaction.
Paragraph 3. Transfusion
Safety measures
Verification of identity should be carried out both by asking the patient
to tell his/her name and date of birth and by reading these or other
identification details on a wrist-band which has been attached to the
patient according to well-specified rules.
Verification that the relevant infusion equipment is being used
according to manufacturer’s recommendations shall be carried out
by a medical officer before attaching the blood components unit.
It is recommended that no transfusion sets are used for more than
6 hours. Verification that there is no visible deterioration of the
blood components shall be carried out with particular emphasis on
discolouration.
Verification of compatibility between patient and blood unit shall be
carried out by:
• comparing the identity information received from the patient
with data on the laboratory’s certificate of compatibility testing (if
appropriate);
• checking the certificate of the patient’s blood group against the blood
group denoted on the blood components label; (bed side testing can
be done to confirm blood groups of the donor and patient);
• checking the identification number of blood units on the
laboratory’s certificate matches with the identification number on
the blood unit labels;
• checking that the expiry date of the blood unit has not been passed;
• recording the identity of the patient.
169
Clinical surveillance
Observation of the transfused patient is essential. Vital signs such as

blood pressure, pulse and temperature should be measured before
starting the transfusion, and ideally at intervals during and after the
transfusion. Observation during the first 15 minutes of the transfusion
is especially important to allow early detection of signs of serious acute
reactions.
The time when transfusion is started, interrupted and stopped, should

be clearly marked in patient records as well as vital signs or any others
symptoms that could indicate transfusion reaction.
It is also important to determine the efficacy of the transfusion of the

specific component by recording appropriate pre- and post transfusion
parameters.
Confirmation of transfusion should be sent back to the hospital blood

bank.
Surveillance procedures should be described in SOPs and personnel

should be trained.
Paragraph 4. Handling and storage of blood in the

hospital
Before transfusion the quality and the safety of blood components
have to be maintained in the hospital or clinic by handling and storage
according to the recommendations of the blood establishment that
distributed the product(s).To avoid compromising clinical effectiveness
and safety, blood components should be transfused within the time
limits required by local procedures.
Relevant staff should be properly trained in the principles and practice

of handling different types of blood components and written SOPs
should be readily available for use.
170
Warming of blood
Hypothermia induced by rapid/massive transfusion (more than

50 mL/kg/h in adults and 15 mL/kg/h in children) increases the risks
such as organ failure and coagulopathy.
Handling of frozen units

Frozen units have to be handled with great care since the containers
may be brittle and may easily crack at low temperatures.
Air embolism
During blood transfusion, air embolism is possible under some
circumstances if the operator is not sufficiently careful and skilful.
Paragraph 5. Transfusion complications

Transfusion complications include adverse reactions and also failure of
expected therapeutic response (for definitions see Chapter 11 Principles
of haemovigilance).
As each transfusion of blood components is a separate biological
event, careful recording and reporting of any observed reaction is the
responsibility of the attending physician.
Adverse reactions may occur, either in direct relation to the trans-
fusion or with a delay of hours, days or months.
In the case of an immediate adverse reaction, the transfusion bags
should not be discarded. A new sample should be taken from
the patient and sent to the hospital blood bank together with the
transfusion bags and the transfusion reaction report for further
investigations.
When a serious adverse reaction after transfusion of red cell prepa-
rations has occurred and the patient shows chills, fever, breathing
difficulties, shock, or hypotension, back pain (which cannot be
171
related to the patient’s underlying disease) the following should be

investigated:
• check all identification of recipient and blood component.
• check that the ABO and RhD blood group of the blood unit label
is compatible with the patient’s blood group certificate. If irregular
antibodies outside the ABO and RhD systems are present, check if
blood of compatible blood type has been used.
• a blood sample taken before the transfusion (may be available at
the compatibility testing laboratory); a blood sample taken after
the transfusion, the blood unit with the transfusion set maintained
in site, and the pilot tube or a segment should be sent for
investigation.
• it is recommended that this include a direct smear and a bacterial
culture test of the content of the blood unit, a serological
investigation for blood group incompatibility, and inspection of the
blood unit for any damage.
Mild reactions are managed according to the judgment of the
responsible physician.
In the case of repeated, febrile non haemolytic transfusion reactions,
the use of leucocyte or buffy coat-depleted blood for subsequent
transfusions is recommended.
Long term adverse reactions may occur. These include alloimmuni-
sation and infectious disease transmission.
There should be co-operation between the physician and the hospital
blood banks to facilitate investigations of possible transfusion
transmitted infections and to provide medical follow up of recipient in
cases where a donor is subsequently found to have seroconverted.
Appropriate follow up and patient counselling is also necessary when
significant alloimmunisation against transfused cells may have taken
place (see Chapter 11 Standards of hemovigilance).
172
Paragraph 6. Hospital transfusion committees

Establishment of hospital transfusion committees is to be encouraged.
A hospital blood transfusion committee should include representatives
of the blood establishment and the main clinical units with a
significant transfusion activity. It is recommended that physicians,
nurses and administrative personnel be represented.
The main goals of a hospital blood transfusion committee are:
• to define blood transfusion policies adapted to the local clinical
activities;
• to conduct regular evaluation of blood transfusion practices;
• to analyse any adverse reaction and event due to blood transfusion;
• to take any corrective measures if necessary;
• to ensure that all staff involved in transfusion practice receive
adequate training.
Similarly, systems of audit of the clinical use of components will
further enhance the efficacy of transfusion practice.
173
174
Chapter 11
Principles of haemovigilance
Haemovigilance is defined as the organised surveillance procedures
related to serious adverse or unexpected events or reactions in donors
or recipients and the epidemiological follow up of donors.
The ultimate goal of haemovigilance is to prevent the recurrence
of adverse events and reactions. For that purpose, the results of
data analysis should be fed back periodically to their providers and
communicated to any competent authority, indicating, whenever
possible, any preventive or corrective measure to be adopted.
Haemovigilance should also incorporate an early alert/warning system.
Haemovigilance provides useful information on the morbidity of
blood donation and transfusion, and gives guidance on corrective
measures to prevent the recurrence of some incidents. Moreover,
haemovigilance is considered as a part of total health care vigilance,
along with pharmacovigilance, and vigilance on medical devices.
The information provided by haemovigilance may contribute to
improving the safety of blood collection and transfusion by:
• providing the medical community with a reliable source of
information about adverse events and reactions associated with
blood collection and transfusion;
175
• indicating corrective measures required to prevent the recurrence

of some incidents or dysfunctions in the transfusion process;
• warning hospitals and blood establishments about adverse events
and reactions that could involve more individuals than a single
recipient, including:
• those related to the transmission of infectious diseases;
• those related to blood bags, solutions or blood processing.
Paragraph 2. Prerequisites for implementation of a

haemovigilance network
Haemovigilance should be a responsibility of the competent national
authority for blood safety. Haemovigilance networks should embody
operational linkages between clinical departments, hospital blood
banks, blood establishments, and national authorities.
Traceability of blood components

Traceability, which is a prerequisite for haemovigilance, may be
defined as the ability to trace each individual unit of blood or blood
components derived from it from the donor to its final destination,
whether this is a patient, a manufacturer of medicinal products or
disposal, and vice versa.
The essential element for traceability is a unique identification numeric
or alphanumeric code for each donation, with a subsidiary code for
each component prepared from that donation (Recommendation
No. R (96) 11 of the Council of Europe on Documentation and record-
keeping to guarantee the traceability of blood and blood components
especially in hospital). This unique identifier must be linked with
data identifying both the donor and the recipient, so that all patients
transfused with a particular donor’s blood or all donors who donated
the blood components a patient received may be traced.
Traceability is essential for:
• tracing retrospectively a possibly infectious donor in case of
transmission of an agent to a recipient;
176
• tracing retrospectively a possibly infected recipient in case of

infectivity of a donor;
• tracing recipients in case of systemic problems putting recipients at
risk of serious adverse reactions or events.
Traceability can provide information on the total number of:
• patients that have been transfused;
• blood units or components that have been issued or used;
• blood donors that have provided the transfused blood units or
components.
Without this information, it is difficult to calculate the incidence of
adverse events and reactions and thus to estimate risk. The number
of adverse events and reactions, over a given time period, may help in
identifying critical issues within the process.
Information systems should be available to facilitate rapid traceability
by using patients, blood components and donors as data-access
keys. To ensure the reliability of the data base, confirmation that
the blood component was transfused to the patient for whom it was
issued is needed. Without this, proving the link between donor and
patient would require verification in the patient’s notes that the blood
component had been transfused. The document confirming the
transfusion should also include information on the existence or non
existence of immediate adverse events or reactions.
By these systems the following data should be made unmistakeably
available:
• personal data uniquely identifying the donor and providing a
means to contact him/her;
• the blood establishment in which blood or blood component
collection has been carried out;
• the date of donation;
177
• the blood components produced and additional component

information, if appropriate;
• the blood establishment or hospital blood bank to which the blood
component has been distributed, if different from the production
facility;
• the hospital and the ward to which the blood component has been
issued for transfusion;
• the date and time of issue;
• the final fate of the unit; either the identity of the patient who re-
ceived it or other use (e.g. quality assurance, reagents, discards, etc.);
• the date and starting time of transfusion.
In case of blood components that have not been issued for transfusion,
data should be available to identify the facility where the units have
been used or disposed of.
Co-operation between blood establishments, hospital blood

banks and clinical departments
The responsibility of reporting adverse events and reactions does not
imply the responsibility for individual patient’s care.
Reporting and analysis of adverse events and reactions associated with
transfusion requires close co-operation between the clinical department
where transfusion took place, the hospital blood bank that issued the
transfused blood component and the blood establishment that collected
and distributed the blood unit, if different from the hospital blood bank.
This co-operation is essential to ensure a complete investigation of
any adverse event or reaction including uneventful transfusion errors.
In the blood establishment and/or in the hospital blood bank, the
physician involved may be the one responsible for blood component
delivery, or a physician specifically in charge of haemovigilance.
Similarly, in the clinical departments, the involved person can be the
physician in charge of the patient, or another physician specifically in
charge of haemovigilance.
178
In case of serious adverse reactions in blood recipients, which may

be related to the transfused blood components, notification should
be sent as soon as possible to the blood establishment where the
components have been collected.
Prompt reporting enables the blood establishment to take action to
block blood components from related donors, donations or production
methods.
Serious adverse reactions include: acute haemolytic transfusion
reaction, sepsis due to bacterial contamination, delayed haemolysis,
transfusion related acute lung injury, transfusion associated graft
versus host disease, transfusion transmitted infectious diseases,
anaphylaxis, transfusion-associated circulatory overload.
Paragraph 3. Types of adverse reactions and adverse

events collected in a haemovigilance network
Adverse reactions in patients
Adverse reactions associated with transfusion of blood components are
the primary scope of a haemovigilance system, which should collect
reports concerning patients of events such as:
• immediate adverse reactions during transfusion, such as
haemolysis, non haemolytic febrile transfusion reaction, rash,
erythema, urticaria, anaphylactic shock, bacterial contamination,
TRALI, Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO),
acute GvHD, etc.;
• delayed adverse reactions after transfusion, such as haemolysis,
post-transfusion purpura, ALT increase, iron overload, etc.;
• bacterial, viral, parasitical or TSE transmission;
• occurrence of alloimmunisation against red cell, HLA or platelet
antigens.
The rules for reporting may differ according to the type and severity
of adverse reaction. In case of minor reactions such as non haemolytic
179
febrile transfusion reaction, rash, erythema and urticaria, individual

reports should be sent only by the clinical departments to the blood
bank, which, depending on the organisation of the haemovigilance
network, may send periodic reports to its blood establishment or to the
competent authority concerning the incidence of such events.
This applies to any event that may involve several individuals, and to
serious hazards. Moreover, in case of viral transmission the extent of
required investigations should be clearly defined.
Adverse reactions in donors

See also Chapter 3 Principles of blood collection.
Adverse reactions in donors in are defined as an unintended response
in a donor associated with the collection of blood or blood components.
Adverse reactions in a donor should be fully documented in donor
records and Serious Adverse Reactions should also be documented in
the Quality System records.
Haemovigilance for donors may:
• allow the creation of a list of adverse events and reactions in
relation to blood collection;
• allow analysis of data and enhance safety of blood collection by
implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence of incidents;
• allow analysis of data and improve transfusion safety depending on
donor selection (frequency and causes of blood donation exclusion)
and epidemiological follow up of donor population (confirmed
positive donors in infectious marker screening);
• allow tracing of donors in case of an emerging threat to safety of
blood components (such as a new endemic situation).
Adverse events related to blood donation can occur in several fields:
• donor selection: the donor does not fulfil the local medical
selection criteria but has been given clearance for donating blood
180
(with possible consequence on his health or quality of blood

components): e.g. insufficient haemoglobin level before donation,
insufficient weight;
• blood collection: inappropriate procedure: e.g. inadequate
volume of blood lost during blood or blood component donation,
inadequate volume of anticoagulant used for apheresis procedure;
• donor suitability: post-donation information may have
consequences for the safety of donated blood components.
Both adverse events and reactions in donors may also have
consequences on the quality of the donated blood components.
Data concerning adverse reactions and adverse events in donors
should be collected and evaluated within the blood establishments
and where appropriate reported at least annually to the national
haemovigilance system. Information on adverse events and reactions
in donors should be considered as part of the haemovigilance system.
Adverse events
Adverse events are defined as any untoward occurrence associated
with the collecting, testing, processing, storage and distribution of
blood and blood components that might lead to an adverse reaction in
blood recipients or blood donors.
Serious adverse events are those which might (but did not) lead to
death or life-threatening, disabling or incapacitating conditions for
patients or donors, or which might (but did not) result in prolonged
hospitalisation or morbidity. Examples of these serious adverse
events are failures to detect an infectious agent, errors in ABO typing,
wrong labelling of donor blood samples or blood components, for
instance in cases where the components were not transfused. Directive
EC 2002/98 requires that these events are to be notified.
“Near-miss” events are a subgroup of adverse events, defined as
any error, which if undetected, could result in the determination
of a wrong blood group or failure to detect a red cell antibody, or
181
issue, collection, or administration of an incorrect, inappropriate or

unsuitable component, but which was recognised before transfusion
took place.
Adverse events include incorrect, inappropriate or unsuitable blood

component transfusion which did not lead but could have led to harm
to the recipient. For example, administration of a mismatched ABO
compatible component or failure to give irradiated components when
prescribed.
Notification of adverse events, which are transfusion errors that do

not cause an adverse reaction, may help to identify weaknesses in the
clinical transfusion process and so reduce risk. The haemovigilance
system should inform relevant staff of the importance of adverse event
reporting. It should provide a system for reporting new misses with
anonymisation to protect individuals from blame and to stimulate
voluntary reporting.
Information technology systems may facilitate reporting and analysis

of haemovigilance data.
Device defects
Reporting of device defects can be viewed as part of haemovigilance
(see Standards).
Paragraph 4. Tracing and recall of potentially infectious

donations for HIV, HCV or HBV (look-back)
Post-transfusion infection in a recipient reported to the

blood establishment
Hospitals must inform the blood establishment whenever a recipient
of blood components develops laboratory tests results and/or disease
symptoms, indicating that a blood component may have transmitted
an infectious agent (see Standards).
182
It is important that the blood establishment is informed without delay

by the hospital, so to allow further action on implicated donations and
donors, in order to prevent harm to other recipients.
Test results from donations of the implicated donors may be

re-analysed, or additional or confirmatory tests on archived samples
or freshly obtained samples from the implicated donors may be
performed with the aim to exclude HIV, HCV or HBV infection in the
donor(s). If such analysis reasonably excludes infection, such donor(s)
may be re-released for future donations, and (temporarily) blocked
components derived from their donations may be re-released.
Where feasible and appropriate, the blood establishment should

(temporarily) defer all implicated donors from further donations,
and retrieve (temporarily) or quarantine all in-date components for
transfusion collected from the implicated donors.
Whenever an implicated donor is found with a confirmed positive

test for HIV, HCV or HBV infection, the blood establishment should
act accordingly with regard to deferral of the donor and look-back
procedure on previous potentially infectious donations and inform the
hospital concerned.
The incident should be reported to the national haemovigilance system

and/or competent authorities.
Post donation information

The blood establishment should (temporarily) block all in-house
components from the donor and retrieve all in-date components. The
relevant plasma fractionation institute must be notified.
The blood establishment should perform a risk analysis to assess
whether the incident indicates a potentially infectious blood
component for recipient(s). Test results from donations of the
implicated donors may be re-analysed, or additional or confirmatory
tests on archived samples or freshly obtained samples from the donor
may be performed.
183
In case a confirmed HBV, HCV or HIV infection is shown in the

donor, the blood establishment should defer the donor and undertake
look back procedure on previous potentially infectious donations.
Recall of blood components

The blood establishment retrieves in-date blood components from the
hospital(s) as a precautionary measure in case of a quality deviation
(HBV, HCV or HIV). This may be a temporary measure and implies
that certain retrieved blood components may be re-released after
proper risk analysis and/or additional testing. The measure is taken
in order to prevent harm to potential recipients. The relevant plasma
fractionation institute must be notified.
Tracing of recipients of potentially infectious blood

donations (look-back)
The blood establishment initiates a look-back procedure which
is aimed at the tracing of recipients of blood components from
a potentially infectious blood donation and notification of these
recipient(s) by their treating physicians, whenever a blood donation
may have taken place within the window period of a (repeat) donor
with a confirmed HIV, HBV or HCV infection. Implicated donations
include those within a time frame equal to the maximum test specific
window period of the infection, preceding a negative screening test
result in the donor.
The blood establishment should inform the hospital in writing about

the incident and advise the hospital to trace the recipient(s) of the
implicated blood component(s) and inform the treating physician
about the potentially infectious transfusion. The relevant plasma
fractionation institute must be notified.
It is the responsibility of the treating physician to inform the recipient

about the potentially infectious transfusion, unless there are medical
arguments not to do so. If the recipient is tested, in order to establish or to
exclude the infection, the blood establishment should be informed by the
184
hospital about such test results. If testing of the recipient is not performed,
the blood establishment should also be informed of this by the hospital.
If the recipient is confirmed to be positive for the infection the incident
is reported to a national haemovigilance system and/or competent
authorities.
Consistent with the recommendations of the competent public health
authority, blood establishments should consider the need to trace and
notify blood component recipients and/or their physicians in cases
where a blood donor subsequently is diagnosed with vCJD infection.
Paragraph 5. Contract between the blood

establishment and hospital for haemovigilance
In those situations in which blood collection and processing is carried
out in facilities located outside the hospitals, the above procedures may
be described in the contract(s) between the blood establishment and
the hospital(s).
Minimum information to be captured in the initial incident

report at hospital level
Information about transfused patients must be managed according to
the country’s confidentiality requirements. Patient identifiers reported
should include at least date of birth, gender, and unique case number.
Clinical signs observed should be documented, in a standardised
fashion, either specific for a given adverse event or reaction, or the
same form for every untoward effect. Clinical outcome of an adverse
reaction should be stated.
Paragraph 6. Reporting haemovigilance data

Standardisation of reporting
Reports of adverse events and reactions should be made in the same
way in all the institutions that participate in the haemovigilance
network. This implies not only the use of common report forms, but
185
also a common training programme ensuring among all participants a

similar way of interpretation for a given incident, and a common and
agreed definition of the different types of adverse events and reactions.
In this respect, the persons specifically in charge of haemovigilance may
contribute to the standardisation both of reports and of definitions.
In practice, to be achieved, standardisation of reporting requires an

active training policy initiated inside the network.
Data analysis
All the reports should be carefully analysed before inclusion in
the haemovigilance data base which can be exploited at different
levels: institutional, regional, national or international. Whatever
the magnitude of the network, an individual institution should have
permanent access to its own data.
Information sent to the haemovigilance database

Information about transfused patients must be managed according to
the country’s confidentiality requirements.
Component information
This information should include a detailed prescription of the
component involved:
• unit number and adequate codes for components;
• description of the component, including:
• the type of component, i.e. red cell, platelet or plasma;
• the type of preparation, i.e. from whole blood or from apheresis;
• other characteristics, i.e. leucocyte depleted, irradiated, plasma

reduced, etc.;
• conditions and duration of storage prior to transfusion.
186
Information about severity

Severity should be graded. A suggested scale is:
Severity scale
0 No clinical signs
1 immediate signs without vital risk and full resolution
2 immediate signs with vital risk
3 Long term morbidity
4 Death
Information about imputability

The possible relationship between the observed adverse reaction and
the transfusion of blood components given (imputability) should be
identified. A suggested scale is:
Imputability scale Explanation
When there is conclusive evidence beyond
0 Excluded reasonable doubts for attributing the adverse
reaction to alternative causes.
When the evidence is clearly in favour of
0 Unlikely attributing the adverse reaction to causes other
than the blood or blood components.
Not When there is insufficient data for causality
N/A
assessable assessment.
When the evidence is indeterminate for
1 Possible attributing adverse reaction either to the blood or
blood component or to alternative causes.
When the evidence is clearly in favour of
Likely,
2 attributing the adverse reaction to the blood or
Probable
blood component.
When there is conclusive evidence beyond
3 Certain reasonable doubt for attributing the adverse
reaction to the blood or blood component.
187
Information about the type of adverse events and reactions

Report forms should enable differentiation between adverse events and
reactions in patients and donors.
Report forms should include a brief summary describing the event as
well as the corrective actions taken.
In order to provide an evaluation of the incidence of untoward effects,
each participating institution should provide the number of blood
components used per year and the number of patients transfused,
together with details of all reported events.
Additional information about the current guidelines and procedures in
regard to the use of blood components will be useful in comparison of
results from different institutions or even different countries.
188
S TA N D A R D S
190
Chapter 1
Standards for a quality system for

blood establishments
Paragraph 1. The quality system
Each Blood Establishment must develop and maintain a Quality

System that is based on EU Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Directive 2003/94/EC and meets the requirements identified in the
Directive 2005/62/EC.
The quality system must be designed to assure the quality and safety
of manufactured blood and blood components and also ensure donor
safety and customer service. The system must include a mechanism for
evaluation and continuous improvement.
The quality system must cover all activities that influence the quality
of the blood and blood components that are produced. This requires
the development of clear policies, objectives and responsibilities, and
implementation by means of quality planning, quality control, quality
assurance and quality improvement in order to ensure the quality
and safety of blood and blood components and to provide customer
satisfaction.
The quality assurance system must ensure that all critical processes
are specified in appropriate instructions, are performed in accordance
with the principles of Good Practice and comply with appropriate
regulations.
191
Management must review the system at regular intervals to verify

the effectiveness of the system and introduce corrective measures if
considered necessary.
An independent function with responsibility for quality assurance
must be established. This quality assurance function will be responsible
for oversight of all quality processes but need not necessarily be
responsible for carrying out the activities.
A Quality Assurance Manager must be identified who will be
responsible for the quality assurance function.
Paragraph 2. Elements of the quality system

Validation and change control
Every blood establishment must have a general policy regarding
validation of equipment, facilities, processes, automated systems
and laboratory tests. The formal objective of validation is to ensure
compliance with the intended use and regulatory requirements.
All procedures, premises and equipment that have influence on the
quality and safety of blood and blood components shall be validated
prior to introduction.
A formal change control system must be in place to plan, evaluate
and document all changes that may affect the quality, traceability,
availability or effect of components or safety of components, donors
or patients. The potential impact of the proposed change must be
evaluated and the degree of revalidation or additional testing and
validation determined.
Personnel and organisation
Sufficient numbers of appropriately qualified and experienced staff
must be available in to perform all necessary tasks.
Only persons who are authorised by defined procedures and docu-
mented as such may be involved in the collection, manufacturing and
distribution processes, including quality control and quality assurance.
192
Standards. Chapter 1
All personnel must have clear, documented and up to date job descrip-
tions. There must be an organisation chart showing the hierarchical
structure of the blood establishment and clear delineation of lines of
responsibilities.
All personnel must receive initial and continued training appropriate
to their specific tasks. Training and competencies must be documented
and training records must be maintained.
Premises
Premises must be located, constructed, adapted and maintained to suit
the operations to be carried out.
Premises must enable effective cleaning and maintenance to minimise
risk of contamination.
Processing and storage areas must be secured against the entry of
unauthorised persons and must be used only for the intended purpose.
Equipment and materials
All equipment must be designed, validated and maintained to suit
its intended purpose and must not present any unacceptable risks to
donors or operators.
Regular maintenance and calibration must be carried out and docu-
mented according to established procedures. Operating instructions
must be available and appropriate records kept.
All critical equipment must have a regular, planned maintenance
to detect or prevent avoidable errors and keep the equipment in its
optimum functional state. The maintenance intervals and actions must
be determined for each item of equipment. The maintenance status of
each item of equipment must be available.
All modifications, enhancements or additions to validated systems and
equipment must be managed through the blood establishment’s change
management procedure. The effect of each change on the system or
equipment and the degree of required validation must be determined.
193
Instructions for use, maintenance, service, cleaning and sanitation must

be available according to the instructions for use and operator’s manual.
Procedures must be available for each type of equipment, detailing the
action to be taken when malfunctions or failures occur.
New and repaired equipment must meet qualification requirements
when installed and authorised before use. Qualification results must be
documented.
Only reagents and materials from approved suppliers that meet the
documented requirements and specifications may be used. Where
applicable by law, materials, reagents and equipment must meet the
requirements of Directive 93/42/EC on medical devices in addition to
Directive 98/79/EC on in vitro diagnostic medical devices.
Critical materials must be defined and released under the responsibi-
lity of QA function before use. The actual release may be performed
by an authorised person under the guidance of a validated information
technology system.
Inventory records must be kept for traceability.
Documentation and record keeping
A document control system must be established for review, revision
history and archive of documents including Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs).
Each activity that may affect the quality of the blood and blood
components must be described in an SOP.
Documentation must include an SOP governing development and
revision of SOPs. This will ensure that work performed is standardised
and that there is traceability of all steps in the process.
The recording system must ensure a continuity of documentation of all
procedures performed, from the blood donor to the recipient, i.e. each
significant step must be recorded in a manner that permits tracing in
either direction of a component or procedure from the first step to
final disposition.
194
Records must be retained for a period according to local or national

requirements.
Data processing system

All computer software, hardware and backup procedures must be vali-
dated before use and checked regularly to ensure reliability. Hardware
and software must be protected against unauthorised use or changes.
Systems must be properly maintained at all times. Documented
maintenance plans must be developed and implemented. This must
include quality assurance system audits.
A backup procedure must be in place to prevent loss of records as a
result of expected or unexpected down time or function failures.
Changes in computerised systems must be validated, applicable
documentation revised and personnel trained, before any change
is introduced into routine use. Computerised systems must be
maintained in a validated state. This must include user testing
to demonstrate that the system is correctly performing all
specified functions both at initial installation and after any system
modifications.
There must be a hierarchy of permitted user access to enter, amend,
read or print data. Methods of preventing unauthorised entry must
be in place, such as personal identity codes or passwords which are
changed on a regular basis.
Quality monitoring
Acceptance criteria must be based on a defined set of specifications for
each blood and blood component.
Quality control
All quality control procedures must be validated before use.
The results of quality control testing must be continuously evaluated
and steps taken to correct defective procedures or equipment.
195
Standard procedures for the quality control of blood components must

be in place. The suitability of each method to provide the intended
information must be validated.
Quality control of blood and blood components must be carried out
according to a defined sampling plan.
The testing must be performed in accordance with the instructions
recommended by the manufacturer of reagents and test kits.
The performance of the testing procedures must be regularly assessed
by participation in a formal system of proficiency testing.
Records of quality control procedures must include identification of
the person(s) performing the tests or procedures. Any corrective action
taken must also be recorded. If corrections in records are necessary, the
original recording must not be obliterated, but must remain legible.
Contract management
Specific written contracts with suppliers must be developed to support
tasks, including, component processing or testing, that are performed
externally.
Deviations, complaints, adverse events and reactions, recall,
corrective and preventive actions
There must be a defined procedure for the release of non-standard
blood and blood components under a planned non-conformance
system. The decision for such a release must be clearly documented and
authorised by a designated person and traceability must be ensured.
There must be systems in place to ensure that complaints, adverse
events or reactions are documented, carefully investigated for
causative factors of the defect and, where necessary, followed by the
implementation of corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
All errors and accidents must be documented and investigated in order
to identify system problems for correction. This must include the
identification of specific corrective and preventative actions
196
The corrective and preventive actions system must ensure that existing
component nonconformity or quality problems are corrected and that
recurrence of the problem is prevented.
An effective recall procedure must be in place, including a description
of the responsibilities and actions to be taken and guidance on the
situations in which a recall may be required.
Self inspection, audits and improvement

Systems of regular self-inspection and internal audits must be in place
in order to monitor overall compliance with the quality management
system. Self-inspection and audit must be conducted independently
by trained and competent persons from within the organisation,
according to approved protocols.
All audit results must be documented and reported to management.
Appropriate corrective actions must be taken.
197
198
Chapter 2
Standards for selection of donors
Measures must be taken to promote the collection of blood and blood
components from voluntary non-remunerated donations according to
the principles set in the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights
and Dignity of the Human Being with Regard to the Application of
Biology and Medicine (Convention on Human Rights and Biomedecine,
CETS No. 164) and its Additional Protocol concerning Transplantation
of Organs and Tissues of Human Origin (CETS No. 186).
Blood establishments are ultimately responsible for the quality and

safety of the blood and blood components collected, and must be
entitled to decide on the final acceptance or deferral of a donor or a
prospective donor, taking into account Resolution CM/Res (2008)5 on
donor responsibility and on limitation to donation of blood and blood
components.
Paragraph 2. Information to be provided to the donor

The following information must be provided to prospective donors of
blood or blood components:
a. Accurate educational materials, which are understandable for

members of the general public, about the essential nature of blood,
199
the blood donation procedure, the components derived from whole

blood and apheresis donations, and the important benefits to patients.
b. For both allogeneic and autologous donations, the reasons for
requiring a medical assessment, health and medical history, and the
testing of donations and the significance of “informed consent”:
• For allogeneic donations, self-deferral, and temporary and
permanent deferral, and the reasons why individuals are not to
donate blood or blood components if there could be a risk for
the recipient or the donor.
• For autologous donations, the possibility of deferral and the
reasons why the donation procedure would not take place in the
presence of a health risk to the individual whether as donor or
recipient of the autologous blood or blood components.
c. Information on the protection of personal data: no unauthorised
disclosure of the identity of the donor, of information concerning
the donor’s health, or of the results of the tests performed.
d. The reasons why individuals are not to make donations which may
be detrimental to their health.
e. Specific information on the nature of the procedures involved in
the allogeneic or autologous donation process and their respective
associated risks. For autologous donations, the possibility that the
autologous blood and blood components may not suffice for the
intended transfusion requirements.
f. All blood donors must be provided with accurate and updated
information on HIV/AIDS and hepatitis transmission and provide
the opportunity for self-exclusion so that those persons who have
unsafe sex practices or other risk behaviour exposing them to
potential infectious sources will refrain from donating.
g. Information on the option for donors to change their mind about
donating prior to proceeding further, or the option to withdraw
or self-defer at any time during the donation process, without any
undue embarrassment or discomfort.
200
h. The reasons why it is important that donors inform the blood

establishment of any subsequent event that may render any prior
donation unsuitable for transfusion.
i. Information on the responsibility of the blood establishment to
inform the donor, through an appropriate mechanism, if test results
show any abnormality of significance to the donor’s health.
j. Information why unused autologous blood and blood components
will be discarded and not transfused to other patients.
k. Information that test results detecting markers for viruses,
such as HIV, HBV, HCV or other relevant blood transmissible
microbiologic agents, will result in donor deferral and destruction
of the collected unit.
l. Information on the opportunity for donors to ask questions at any
time.
Paragraph 3. Medical assessment of the donor

All donors must undergo a screening process to assess their suitability.
Only healthy persons with a good medical history can be accepted as
donors of blood or blood components.
The donor must be properly identified.
The selection process must include an assessment of each donor
carried out by a suitably qualified individual, trained to use accepted
guidelines and working under the direction of a physician. This
assessment involves an interview, a questionnaire and further direct
questions if necessary.
Questionnaire and interview

The questionnaire must be designed to elicit information relevant
to the health and life style of the donor. It must be designed to be
understandable by the donor and given to all donors each time they
attend. On completion it must be signed by the donor.
201
A confidential interview must be conducted by specifically trained

staff to ask further direct questions to supplement the information in
the questionnaire. The person who carries out the assessment must
certify that the relevant questions have been asked.
Donor details
There must be secure, unique donor identification, contact details and
robust mechanisms linking donor to donation.
Age of the donor

The age limits for donation are minimum 18 years and maximum
65 years.
Where allowed by national legislation, bleeding donors may be

considered at the age of 17.
Bleeding donors over 65 years of age is at the discretion of the

responsible physician, as is the recruitment of any first-time donor
above the age of 60.
Donor appearance and inspection

Special note must be taken in case of plethora, poor physique,
debilitation, under-nutrition, anaemia, jaundice, cyanosis, dyspnoea,
mental instability, intoxication from alcohol or drugs.
Paragraph 4. Donor deferral

Deferred donors must be given a clear explanation of the reasons for
deferral.
Tables 2-1, 2-2 and 2-3 list conditions to deferral. Specific conditions
for infectious diseases are listed in sections a) to k) of this paragraph.
202
Table 2-1. Conditions leading to permanent deferral (rejection)
Cancer/ Individuals with a malignant disease, or a history of such, are

Malignant usually permanently deferred. The physician in charge may
Diseases make exceptions to this rule in selected cases (see Principles).
All individuals who have in the past been treated with
extracts derived from human pituitary glands, have been
Creutzfeldt-
recipients of dura mater or corneal grafts or who have been
Jakob Disease
told of a family risk of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease or any
other Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy1.
Diabetes If requiring insulin therapy.
Drugs Any history of injectable drug abuse.
Persons with a history of heart disease, especially coronary
Heart and
disease, angina pectoris, severe cardiac arrhythmia, a history
blood vessel
of cerebrovascular diseases, arterial thrombosis or recurrent
disease
venous thrombosis (see also Hypertension).
There are infectious states and diseases necessitating
permanent deferral:
Carriers of HIV 1/2, HTLV I/II, HBV, HCV
Babesiosis2
Leishmaniasis (Kala-Azar)2
Infectious
Chronic Q fever2
conditions
Trypanosomiasis cruzi (Chagas disease)2
(see also Infectious diseases)
Persons, whose sexual behaviour puts them at high risk of
acquiring severe infectious diseases that can be transmitted
by blood.
Xenotrans-
All recipients.
plantation
1 A family history of CJD carries a presumption of family risk unless it is determined
that: (a) the affected family member had vCJD, not CJD; or (b) the affected family
member did not have a genetic relationship to the donor; or (c) the cause of CJD in
the affected family member was iatrogenic; or (d) the donor was tested and is known
to have a normal genetic polymorphism for PrPc.
2 Deferral requirements may be waived by the blood establishment when the donation
is used exclusively for plasma for fractionation.
203
Table 2-2. Conditions leading to temporary deferral (suspension)

Condition Deferral period
Endoscopy with biopsy using
flexible instruments, inoculation
injury, acupuncture1, tattooing1 6 months or 4 months provided a NAT test
or body piercing, mucosal for hepatitis C is negative.
splash with blood, tissue or cell
transplant of human origin
6 months or for 4 months provided a NAT
test for hepatitis C is negative. Injection
Transfusion of blood
of red cells as part of an approved immu-
components
nisation programme will need clinical
assessment.
Three years off treatment and without an
Epilepsy
attack.
Fever above 38 ºC, flu-like illness Two weeks following cessation of symptoms.
Acute glomerulonephritis: five years deferral
Kidney disease
period following complete recovery.
The taking of a medication may indicate an
underlying disease which may disqualify
the donor. It is recommended that a list
of commonly used drugs, with rules for
acceptability of donors, approved by the
Medication medical staff of the transfusion centre, be
available. Donors treated with prescribed
drugs, particularly those with proven
teratogenic effect, should be deferred for a
period consistent with the pharmacokinetic
properties of the drug.
Osteomyelitis Two years after having been declared cured.
6 months after delivery or termination,
Pregnancy except in exceptional circumstances and at
the discretion of a physician.
Two years following attack with no evidence
Rheumatic fever of chronic heart disease. The latter complica-
tion is a cause for permanent deferral.
204
Following major surgery patients should not

Surgery donate until they are fully recovered and fit
to be donors, typically about six months.
If no complications, one week (because of
Tooth extraction
possible risk of transient bacteraemia).
6 months following return from tropical
areas and then only if they have not suf-
Tropical Diseases
fered an unexplained fever or illness (see
Infectious diseases).
1 Exceptions could be made according to national risk assessment.
Table 2-3. Prophylactic immunisations

Inoculations, vaccinations Deferral period
Vaccines with attenuated bacteria
and viruses:
BCG, yellow fever, rubella, measles, Four weeks
poliomyelitis (oral), mumps, live
attenuated typhoid fever vaccine, live
attenuated cholera vaccine
Vaccines with killed bacteria

Cholera, typhoid, capsular Accept if well
polysaccharide typhoid fever vaccine
Vaccines with inactivated viruses

Accept if well
Poliomyelitis (injection), influenza
Toxoids
Accept if well
Diphtheria, tetanus
Accept if well and no exposure
Other vaccines (see section on jaundice and hepatitis)
Hepatitis A and B vaccine 1 week in order to prevent vaccine-
Hepatitis B vaccine related positivity in HBs antigen result
Rabies, tick-borne encephalitis Accept if well
One year if post-exposure
205
Infectious diseases
a. HIV/AIDS
Persons whose sexual behaviour puts them at high risk of acquiring
severe infectious diseases that can be transmitted by blood must be
permanently deferred.
Current sexual partners of people with HIV must be deferred.
Previous sexual partners of people with HIV are acceptable after
12 months since the last sexual contact.
b. Brucellosis (confirmed)
Deferral for at least two years following full recovery.
The deferral period does not apply when the donation is used
exclusively for plasma fractionation.
c. Chagas disease
Individuals with Chagas disease or who have had Chagas disease must
be deferred permanently.
The blood of persons who were born or have been transfused in areas
where the disease is endemic should be used only for production of
plasma that is used exclusively for fractionation into plasma derivatives
unless a validated test for infection with T. cruzi is negative.
d. Jaundice and hepatitis

Individuals with a history of jaundice or hepatitis may, at the discretion
of the appropriate competent medical authority, be accepted as blood
donors provided a CE marked test for HBsAg and anti-HCV is negative.
Persons who have been in close household contact with a case of
hepatitis B infection (acute or chronic) must be deferred for six
months from the time of contact unless demonstrated to be immune.
Current sexual partners of people with HBV must be deferred unless
demonstrated to be immune.
206
Previous sexual partners of people with HBV are acceptable after 6

months since the last sexual contact.
e. Malaria13
Since questioning the donor as to the country(s) in which he was born,
brought up or has visited is essential for effective detection, every
blood establishment must have a current map or list of the endemic
zones and time frames in the countries concerned.
Persons who have lived in a malaria area for a continuous period of
6 months or more at any time in life:
These persons may become asymptomatic carriers of the malaria
parasite. Therefore, the following rules must apply to these individuals
after each return from a malaria area:
• May be accepted as blood donor if the result of a validated
immunological test for antibodies to the malaria parasite, performed
at least 4 months after the last visit to a malaria area is negative.
• If the test is repeatedly reactive the donor must be deferred and may
be re-evaluated after a suitable period when the antibody test may
have reverted to negative (a period of 3 years is suggested).
• If the test is not performed the donor must be deferred until the test
is performed and negative.
Persons who give a history of malaria:
• Must be deferred until asymptomatic and off treatment.
• May be accepted as blood donor if the result of a validated immuno-
logical test for antibodies to the malaria parasite, performed at least
4 months since cessation of treatment/last symptoms is negative.
• If the test is repeatedly reactive the donor must be deferred and may
be re-evaluated after a suitable period when the antibody test may
have reverted negative (a period of 3 years is suggested).
13 The tests and deferral periods may be waived by the blood establishment when the
donation is used exclusively for plasma fractionation.
207
• If the test is not performed the donor should be deferred until the
test is performed and negative.
Persons who report an undiagnosed febrile illness consistent with malaria
during or within 6 months of the end of a visit to a malaria area:
• May be accepted as blood donor if the result of a validated immuno-
logical test for antibodies to the malaria parasite, performed at least
4 months since cessation of treatment/last symptoms is negative.
• If the test is repeatedly reactive the donor should be deferred and
may be re-evaluated after a suitable period when the antibody test
may have reverted negative (a period of 3 years is suggested).
• If the test is not performed the donor should be deferred until the
test is performed and negative.
All other persons who have visited a malaria endemic area without
reporting any clinical symptoms consistent with malaria:
• May be accepted as a blood donor if the result of a validated immuno-
logical test for antibodies to the malaria parasite performed at least
4 months after the last visit to a malaria endemic area is negative.
• If the test is repeatedly reactive the donor must be deferred and re-
evaluated after a suitable period when the antibody test may have
reverted negative (a period of 3 years is suggested).
• If the test is not performed, the donor may be re-accepted once a
period of 12 months has elapsed after last return from a malaria area.
f. Q Fever14
Deferral until two years following the date confirmed cured.
g. Syphilis14
Deferral until one year following the date cured.
208
h. Toxoplasmosis
Deferral until six months following clinical recovery.
i. Tuberculosis
Deferral until two years after having been declared cured.
j. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Deferral of donors as a preventative measures for vCJD must be based
on appropriate risk assessment.
k. West Nile virus15

Deferral until 28 days after leaving an area with on-going transmission
to humans of the disease. Persons with diagnosis of WNV must be
deferred until 120 days after diagnosis.
Paragraph 5. Specific standards for donors of different

types of components
Whole blood donors
A standard donation must not be collected from persons weighing less
than 50 kg.
Quantity of donation
A standard whole blood donation exclusive of anticoagulants must not
exceed 500 mL and usually consists of a donation of 450 mL ± 10%.
Frequency of whole blood donations

A maximum of 6 standard donations per year have to be taken from
males. Up to 4 standard donations per year have to be taken from
females, with a minimum interval between standard donations of two
months.
209
These maximum donation rates must never be exceeded under any cir-
cumstances, and should only be adopted after careful consideration of
the dietary habits of the populations concerned, and in the knowledge
that extra care may be necessary, beyond routine haemoglobin or
haematocrithaematocrit estimation, in the monitoring of donors for
iron deficiency.
Laboratory examination
• Haemoglobin concentration must be determined each time the
donor attends to donate.
• Minimum values before donation:
• female donors: 125 g/L or 7.8 mmol/L (minimum

Haematocrit = 0.38);
• male donors: 135 g/L or 8.4 mmol/L (minimum

Haematocrit = 0.4).
• Individual donations may be accepted below these levels after

consultation with the responsible physicians or as established
by a national control authority based on norms for their specific
populations.
Apheresis donors
The supervision and medical care of apheresis donors must be the
responsibility of a physician specially trained in these techniques.
Other than in exceptional circumstances (to be decided by the

responsible physician), donors for apheresis procedures must meet the
criteria for whole blood donations.
People with sickle cell trait must not donate by apheresis.
Donors taking medicinal drugs inhibiting platelet function must be

temporarily deferred from donation by platelet apheresis.
210
Frequency of donation and maximal amounts of removal of

plasma and red cells
The collection volume (excluding anticoagulant) for each
plasmapheresis procedure must not exceed 16% of the estimated total
blood volume. The individual total blood volume must be calculated
on the basis of gender, height and weight. Alternatively a collection
volume based on 10,5 mL per kg of body weight will meet this
requirement.
The volume of plasma (excluding anticoagulant) collected one each
occasion must not exceed 750 mL.
• A maximum of 33 plasmapheresis procedures may be performed
per donor per year. This equates to a maximum annual collection
volume of 25 litres based on the maximum volume of 750 mL
plasma (excluding anticoagulant) per procedure.
• Not more than 1.5 L of plasma may be collected from one donor per
week.
• In any combined collection of plasma, platelets and/or red cells
in one apheresis procedure, the total volume of donated plasma,
platelets and red cells must not exceed 13% of total blood volume
with a maximum of 650 mL (exclusive of anticoagulant) unless
fluid replacement is undertaken.
• The total amount of red cells must not exceed the theoretical
amount of red cells that would bring the donor haemoglobin in
isovolemic situation below 110 g/L or 6.8 mmol/L.
• The interval between one plasmapheresis or plateletpheresis proce-
dure and a whole blood donation or single unit red cell apheresis
(combined or not with plasma and/or platelet collection) must be
at least 48 hours. The interval between a whole blood donation,
an apheresis red cell collection or failed return of red cells during
apheresis, and the next apheresis procedure without red cell collec-
tion, must be at least one month. The interval between two single unit
red cell collections must be the same as for whole blood collections.
211
• The interval between whole blood donation and the donation of

2 units of red cells must be at least 3 months. The interval between a
2 unit red cell apheresis and whole blood donation or another 2 unit
red cell apheresis must be at least 6 months for women and four
months for men. Total red cell loss per year must not exceed that
acceptable for whole blood donors.
Additional requirements for donors undergoing

plasmapheresis
Protein analysis, such as determination of total serum or plasma
protein and/or electrophoresis and/or quantitation of single proteins,
especially albumin and IgG must be performed; total proteins may
not be less than 60 g/L. This analysis must be carried out at suitable
intervals but at least annually.
Additional requirements for donors undergoing thrombocytapheresis
• Platelet apheresis must not be carried out on individuals whose
platelet count is less than 150 × 109 per litre.
• Donors must not be subjected to a platelet apheresis procedure
more often than once every two weeks.
An exception for donation interval and platelet count may be made in
the case of HPA or HLA matched donations, at the discretion of the
physician responsible for the procedure.
Paragraph 6. Post donation information

Blood donors must be instructed to inform the blood establishment
when signs or symptoms occur after a donation, indicating that the
donation may have been infectious.
212
Chapter 3
Standards for blood collection
Paragraph 1. Premises for donor sessions

The premises must satisfy common sense requirements for the
health and safety of both the staff of the mobile teams and the donors
concerned, with due regard to relevant legislation or regulations.
Suitable facilities must be provided to allow interview with each donor
assuring privacy and confidentiality.
Before premises are accepted for mobile donor sessions their suitability
must be assessed against the following criteria:
• sufficient size to allow proper operation and ensure donor privacy;
• safety for staff and donors;
• the presence of ventilation, electrical supply, lighting, hand washing
facilities, reliable communication, blood storage and transport.
Paragraph 2. Equipment used at blood donation sessions

Sterile collection systems must be used for collection of blood and
blood components. These must be used in accordance with the
instructions of the manufacturer. A check must be made before use, to
ensure that the collection system used is not damaged or contaminated,
and that it is appropriate for the intended collection. Defects in blood
bags must be reported to the supplier and subject to trend analysis.
213
Paragraph 3. Pre-donation checks

The blood container must be inspected before use for defects, and
must be inspected for the prescribed content and appearance of the
anticoagulant solution. If one or more bags in any package is found to
be abnormally damp all the bags in the package must be rejected.
The donor must be re-identified immediately prior to venepuncture.
Paragraph 4. Labelling
Laboratory samples must be taken at the time of each donation.
Procedures must be designed to minimise the risk of microbial
contamination of the collected blood or deterioration of the sample,
and to prevent potential misidentification of samples.
The blood establishment must minimise the possibility of errors in
labelling of blood containers and blood samples.
At the time of the blood donation, the blood container as well as
those of the samples collected for testing must be labelled to uniquely
identify the blood donation. The labelling system must comply with
the relevant national legislation and international agreements.
The blood donation must be identified by a unique identity number
which is both eye and machine readable. The labelling system must
allow full traceability to all relevant data registered by the blood
establishment about the donor and the blood donation.
Careful check must be made of the identity indicator of the donor
against the labels issued for that donation.
The manufacturer’s label on the blood containers (blood plastic bags
and bag systems) must contain the following eye readable information:
• the manufacturer’s name and address;
• the name of the blood bag and/or the name of the blood bag plastic
material;
• the name, composition and volume of anticoagulant or additive
solution (if any);
• the product catalogue number and the lot number.
214
Paragraph 5. Venepuncture, bleeding and mixing

Preparation of the venepuncture site
The skin at the venepuncture site must be free from lesions including
eczema.
The venepuncture site must be prepared using a defined and validated
disinfection procedure. The antiseptic solution must be allowed to
dry completely before venepuncture. The prepared area must not be
touched with fingers before the needle has been inserted.
The effectiveness of the disinfection procedure must be monitored and
corrective action taken where indicated.
Successful venepuncture and proper mixing
The needle must be inserted into the vein at the first attempt.
A second venepuncture with a new needle in the other arm is
acceptable.
Where an anticoagulant solution is used in the collection, the collection
bag must be mixed gently immediately after start of collection and at
regular intervals during the whole collection period. The flow of the
blood must be sufficient and uninterrupted.
The maximum collection time for acceptance of the donation for
component processing must be specified and controlled. Donations
that exceed the maximum time period must be recorded and discarded.
If duration of the bleeding is longer than 12 minutes, the blood must
not be used for the preparation of platelets.
If the duration of the bleeding is longer than 15 minutes, the plasma
must not be used for direct transfusion or the preparation of
coagulation factors.
When manual mixing is used, the blood bag must be inverted every
30-45 seconds. When an automated mixing is used, an appropriately
validated system is required.
215
At completion of the donation, the donation number must be checked

on all records, blood bags and laboratory samples. Donation number
labels of a given donation that have not been used must be destroyed
via a controlled procedure. Procedures to prevent mislabelling must be
in place.
Each activity associated with the donation must be recorded. This also
applies to any unsuccessful donations, the rejection of a donor, adverse
reactions and adverse events. An authorised interviewer must sign the
donor selection records and final assessment.
Paragraph 6. Handling of filled containers and samples

The blood container must be checked after donation for any defect.
During separation from the donor a completely efficient method of
sealing the tube is obligatory.
The blood bag and corresponding samples must not be removed from
the donor’s bedside until labelling has been checked and found to be
correct.
After collection, blood bags must be promptly placed into controlled
temperature storage and transported to the processing site under
temperature conditions appropriate for the component that will be
prepared. Validation data must be available to demonstrate that the
storage after collection and method of transport maintains the blood
within the specified temperature range throughout the period of
transportation
Paragraph 7. Special requirements for apheresis

Separation and collection of blood components by cell separators
requires premises of suitable size, regular service and maintenance of
the machines, and adequately trained personnel for operating such
machines.
The volume of extracorporeal blood must not exceed 13% of the
donor’s estimated blood volume.
216
The donor must be observed closely during the procedure and a

physician familiar with all aspects of apheresis must be available in
order to provide assistance and emergency medical care procedures in
case of adverse reaction.
Collection of adequate granulocyte yields by apheresis, requires
premedication of the donor. Potential of risk to the donor must be
evaluated against anticipated benefit to the intended recipient.
Return of red blood cells of donors undergoing manual
apheresis
Since the biggest inherent danger in manual apheresis is an accidental
interchange between two bags of concentrated red blood cells
during their centrifugation and return to individual donors, a robust
identification system must be in place.
Paragraph 8. Repository of archive samples

If archive samples from the donations are kept, then procedures must
be in place prescribing the use and final disposal thereof.
217
218
Chapter 4
Standards for blood component

preparation, storage and distribution
Paragraph 1. Processing
Preparation of blood and blood components must follow the principles
of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) and comply with appropriate
regulations.
The premises used for the processing of blood components must be
kept in a clean and hygienic condition and the microbial contamination
load on critical equipment, surfaces and in the environment of the
processing areas must be monitored.
Procedures must detail the specifications for any materials that will
influence the quality of the final blood component. In particular,
specifications must be in place for blood and blood components
(intermediate and final components), starting materials, additive
solutions, primary package material (bags) and equipment.
Procedures must be developed and validated for all processing activities.
These must include time limits for the processing of blood components.
Sterile connecting devices must be used in accordance with a validated
procedure. The resulting weld must be checked for satisfactory
alignment and the integrity validated. When validated, connections
made using sterile connecting devices are regarded as closed system
processing.
219
Paragraph 2. Component labelling and information

Before use all blood components must be labelled with relevant
information as to identity. The type of label to be used as well as the
labelling methodology must be established in written procedures.
Critical information must be provided in machine readable format to
eliminate transcription errors.
The blood establishment responsible for the preparation of blood
components must provide clinical users of blood components with
information on their use, composition, and any special conditions that
do not appear on the component label.
Paragraph 3. Release of blood components

Each blood establishment must be able to demonstrate that a blood
or blood component has been approved for release by an authorised
person preferably assisted by validated information technology
systems. The specifications for release of blood components must be
defined, validated, documented.
Where release is subject to computer-derived information the
following requirements must be met:
• The computer system must be validated to be fully secure against
the possibility of blood and blood components which do not fulfil
all test or donor selecting criteria, being released.
• The manual entry of critical data, such as laboratory test results, must
require independent verification by a second authorised person.
• The computer system must block the release of all blood or blood
components considered not acceptable for release. There must also be
a means to block the release of any future donation from the donor.
In the absence of a computerised system for component status control,
or in the event of computer system failure, the following requirements
must be met:
• The label of a blood component must identify the component
status and must clearly distinguish released from non-released
(quarantined) component;
220
• Records must demonstrate that before a component is released, all

current donor declaration forms, relevant medical records and test
results have been verified by an authorised person;
• Before final component release, if blood or blood component(s)

have been prepared from a donor who has donated on previous
occasions, a comparison with previous records must be made to
ensure that current records accurately reflect the donor history.
There must be a system of administrative and physical quarantine for

blood and blood components to ensure that they cannot be released
until all mandatory requirements have been satisfied.
In the event that a final component fails release due to potential

impact on patient safety then all other implicated components must
be identified and appropriate action must be taken. A check must be
made to ensure that (if relevant) other components from the same
donation(s) and components prepared from previous donations given
by the donor(s) are identified. The donor record must be immediately
updated to ensure, where appropriate, that the donor(s) cannot make a
further donation.
Paragraph 4. Storage and distribution

Storage and distribution routines must take place in a safe and
controlled way in order to assure component quality during the
whole storage period and to exclude identification errors of blood
components.
All transportation and storage actions, including receipt and distri-

bution, must be defined by written procedures and specifications.
Storage conditions must be controlled, monitored and checked.

Appropriate alarms must be present and regularly checked; the checks
must be recorded. Appropriate actions on alarms must be defined.
Intermediate storage and transport must be carried out under defined

conditions to ensure that defined requirements are met.
221
Storage areas must provide effective segregation of quarantined and

released materials or components. There must be a separate area for
storage of rejected components and materials.
Prior to distribution, blood components must be visually inspected.
There must be a record identifying the person distributing and the

institution receiving the components.
Blood components must not be returned to the blood establishment

for subsequent distribution unless there is a procedure for return
of blood components that is regulated by a contract and that there
is documented evidence for each returned blood component that
the agreed storage conditions have been met. Before subsequent
distribution the records must identify that the blood component has
been inspected before re-issue.
Paragraph 5. Ionising irradiation

The protocol must ensure that no part of the component receives a
dose less than 25 Gray or more than 50 Gray. Exposure time must be
standardised for each radiation source and re-validated at suitable
intervals.
Red cell components may be irradiated up to 14 days after collection

and thereafter stored until the 28th day after collection. Exceptions are
defined in specific monographs.
Regular dose-mapping of equipment must be performed. The exposure

time must be set to ensure that all blood and blood components
receive the specified recommended minimum dose, with no part
receiving more than the maximum recommended dose. The exposure
time must be reviewed at regular intervals.
Radiation indicators must be used as an aid to differentiating

irradiated from non-irradiated blood and blood components A
defined procedure must ensure the segregation of components that
have not been irradiated from those which have been irradiated.
222
Paragraph 6. Leucocyte depletion

Processes used for leucocyte depletion must be validated. The
validation must be carried out by the blood establishment using the
manufacturer’s instructions against the requirements for Leucocyte
depletion and other quality aspects of the components including
plasma for fractionation.
For quality control, an appropriate validated method must be used for
Leucocyte counting.
Paragraph 7. Bacterial safety

A systematic programme to assure the bacterial safety of blood
collection and processing procedures must be in place.
223
224
Chapter 5
Component monographs
Part A. Whole blood components
Part B. Red cells components
Part C. Platelet components
Part D. Plasma components
Part E. White cell components

226
Part A. Whole blood

components
Paragraph 1. Whole Blood

Whole Blood is blood taken from a suitable donor using a sterile and
pyrogen free anticoagulant and container. Whole blood is a source
material for component preparation, which is its major use. Whole
blood for transfusion is used without further processing.
Whole Blood for transfusion should not contain irregular antibodies of
clinical significance.
2. Preparation
By definition no preparation is required to achieve whole blood.
Table 5A-1 lists the requirements. Additional testing might be required
to comply with national requirements (see also Chapter 9 Standards for
screening for infectious markers).
Table 5A-1
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
to be checked of control1
ABO, RhD Grouping All units
Anti-HIV 1 & 2 Negative by approved screening test All units
HBsAg Negative by approved screening test All units
Anti-HCV Negative by approved screening test All units
450 mL ± 50 mL volume excluding 1% of all units
anticoagulant with a minimum
Volume
A non-standard donation should be of 4 units
labelled accordingly per month
Haemoglobin Minimum 45 g per unit 4 units per month
Haemolysis at the
< 0.8% of red cell mass 4 units per month
end of storage
1 Where different from “All units” the frequency of control is an indication of minimal
frequency and suitable statistical process control should be used to minimize the
risk of a product deviation.
228

Whole Blood for transfusion must be kept at a controlled temperature,
between + 2 °C and + 6 °C. The storage time depends on the anti-
coagulant/preservative solution used. For example in CPDA-1, the
storage time is 35 days. Validated transport systems must ensure
that at no time during a maximum transit time of 24 hours does the
temperature exceed + 10 °C.
Whole Blood for preparation of blood components may be kept up to
24 hours in conditions validated to maintain temperature between
+20 °C and +24 °C, which is a prerequisite for the production of
platelet preparations from whole blood.
5. Labelling
The labelling must comply with the relevant national legislation and
international agreements. The following information must be shown
on the label or contained in the component information leaflet, as
appropriate:
• the producer’s identification;
• the unique identity number;
• the name of the blood component;
• the ABO and RhD group;
• blood group phenotypes other than ABO and RhD (optional);
• the date of expiry;
• the name of the anticoagulant solution;
• additional component information: irradiated, etc. (if appropriate);
• the volume or weight of the blood component;
• the temperature of storage;
• that the component must not be used for transfusion if there is
abnormal haemolysis or other deterioration;
• that the component must be administered through a 150-200 µm
filter.
229
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Whole Blood for transfusion with the intended
recipient must be verified by suitable pre-transfusion testing.
RhD negative female recipients of child bearing age or younger should

preferably not be transfused with red cells from RhD positive donors.
Micro aggregates are formed on storage.
Whole Blood for transfusion is not recommended in:
• anaemia without blood volume loss;

• plasma intolerance;
• intolerance due to alloimmunisation against leucocyte antigens.
Adverse reactions
• haemolytic transfusion reaction;
• non haemolytic transfusion reaction (mainly chills, fever and

urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
• alloimmunisation against red cell and HLA antigens;
• transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI);
• post-transfusion purpura;
• graft versus host disease (GvHD);
• sepsis due to inadvertent bacterial contamination;

• viral transmission (hepatitis, HIV, etc.) is possible despite careful
donor selection and screening procedures;
• syphilis can be transmitted if component is stored for less than

96 hours at + 4 °C;
230
• protozoal transmission (e.g. malaria) may occur in rare instances;
• transmission of other pathogens that are not tested for or

recognised;
• citrate toxicity in neonates and in patients with impaired liver

function;
• metabolic imbalance in massive transfusion (e.g. hyperkalaemia);
• circulatory overload;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 2. Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted

Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted (LD) is a component derived from
Whole Blood by removing the leucocytes to a maximum residual content.
Whole Blood, LD contains a minimum haemoglobin content of 43 g.
Whole Blood, LD normally contains less than 1.0 × 106 of leucocytes.
2. Preparation
Generally a filtration technique is used to produce Whole Blood, LD.
Pre-storage leucocyte depletion within 48 hours after donation is the
standard.

Table 5A-2 lists the requirements. Additional testing may be required
231
Table 5A-2
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
450 ± 50 mL 1% of all units

volume excluding anticoagulant with a minimum
Volume
A non-standard donation should be of 4 units
labelled accordingly per month
1% of all units
with a minimum
Haemoglobin Minimum 43 g per unit
of 4 units
per month
1% of all units
with a minimum
Residual leucocytes2 < 1 × 106 per unit by count
of 10 units
per month
Haemolysis at the 4 units

< 0.8% of red cell mass
end of storage per month
frequency and statistical process control should be used to minimize the risk of a
product deviation.
2 These requirements shall be deemed to have been met if 90% of the units tested fall
within the values indicated.

Whole Blood, LD must be kept at a controlled temperature between
+ 2 °C and + 6 °C. The storage time depends on the anticoagulant/
232
preservative solution used. For example in CPDA-1 the storage time is

35 days.
Validated transport systems must ensure that at no time during a
maximum transit time of 24 hours did the temperature exceed + 10 °C.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
filter.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Whole Blood, LD with the intended recipient must be
verified by suitable pre-transfusion testing.
233

Whole Blood, LD is not recommended in:
• anaemia without blood volume loss;
• plasma intolerance.
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
• transmission of other pathogens that are not tested for or
recognised;
function;
• iron overload.
234
Part B. Red cell components

Paragraph 1. Red Cells

Red Cells is obtained by removal of a major part of the plasma from
Whole Blood.
Red Cells also contains the greater part of the whole blood leucocytes
(about 2.5 to 3.0 × 109 cells) and a varying content of platelets
depending on the method of centrifugation.
2. Preparation
For the preparation, plasma is removed from Whole Blood after
centrifugation.
Table 5B-1 lists the requirements. Additional testing may be required to
comply with national requirements (see also Chapter 9 Standards for
Table 5B-1
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Anti-HIV 1&2 Negative by approved screening test All units
Volume 280 ± 50 mL 1% of all units
Haematocrit 0.65-0.75 4 units per month
Haemoglobin minimum 45 g per unit 4 units per month
Haemolysis at the
end of storage
product deviation.
236

Red Cells must be kept at a controlled temperature between + 2 °C
to + 6 °C. The storage time depends on the anticoagulant/preservative
solution used. For example in CPDA-1, the storage time is 35 days.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
filter.
237
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells with the intended recipient must be verified
by suitable pre-transfusion testing.
Red Cells are not recommended in:
• intolerance due to alloimmunisation against leucocyte antigens;
• exchange transfusion in newborns unless supplementary plasma is
added.
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
238

• transmission of other pathogens that are not tested for or recognised;
function;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 2. Red Cells, Buffy Coat Removed

Red Cells, Buffy Coat Removed (BCR) is a red cell component prepared
by the removal of a major part of the plasma and the buffy coat layer
from Whole Blood.
Red Cells, BCR contains a minimum haemoglobin content of 43 g. The
haematocrit is 0.65 to 0.75.
Red Cells, BCR normally contains less than 1.2 × 109 of leucocytes and a
varying content of platelets depending on the method of centrifugation.
2. Preparation
Red Cells, BCR is derived from whole blood by centrifugation. The
plasma and 20 to 60 mL of the buffy coat layer are removed from the
whole blood after centrifugation, resulting in the loss of 10 to 30 mL
of the whole blood´s red cells. Sufficient plasma is retained to give a
haematocrit of 0.65 to 0.75.

Table 5B-2 lists the requirements. Additional testing may be required
239
Table 5B-2
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
to be checked of control#
Volume 250 ± 50 mL 1% of all units
Residual
<1.2 × 109 per unit 4 units per month
leucocytes content2
Haemolysis at the
end of storage
product deviation.

Red Cells, BCR must be kept at a controlled temperature between + 2 °C
to + 6 °C. The storage time depends on the anticoagulant/preservative
solution used. For example in CPDA-1, the storage time is 35 days.
Validated transport systems must ensure that at not time during a
5. Labelling
240

appropriate:
filter.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, BCR with the intended recipient must be
Red Cells, BCR are not recommended in:
• plasma intolerance (may not concern units with a low plasma
content unless IgA incompatibility is present);
• exchange transfusions in newborns unless supplementary plasma is
added.
241
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
function;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 3. Red Cells, in Additive Solution

Red Cells, in Additive Solution (AS) is a red cell component prepared by
the removal of the plasma from whole blood with subsequent addition
of an appropriate additive solution.
242
Red Cells, AS contains a minimum haemoglobin content of 45 g. The

Red Cells, AS also contains the greater part of the whole blood leuco-
cytes (about 2.5 to 3.0 × 109 cells) and a varying content of platelets
depending on the method of centrifugation.
2. Preparation
Whole Blood is collected with CPD as the anticoagulant solution. After
centrifugation of the whole blood, plasma is removed and the additive
solution is immediately added to the red cells and carefully mixed.

Table 5B-3
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume to be defined for the system used 1% of all units
Haemolysis at the
end of storage
product deviation.
243

Red Cells, AS must be kept at controlled temperature between + 2 °C
to + 6 °C during storage. Depending on the anticoagulant/additive
system the storage time may be extended up to the approved limit of
the additive solution system.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the name and volume of the additive solution;
filter.
244
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, AS with the intended recipient must be
Red Cells, AS is not recommended in:
• intolerance due to alloimmunisation against leucocyte antigens;
• exchange transfusion in newborns unless used within 5 days of
donation, with the additive solution replaced by fresh frozen
plasma on the day of use.
Adverse reactions

urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
96 hours at +4°C;
245

function;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 4. Red Cells, Buffy Coat Removed,

in Additive Solution
Red Cells, Buffy Coat Removed, in Additive Solution (BCR-AS) is a red
cell component prepared by the removal of a major part of the plasma
and the buffy coat layer from Whole Blood with subsequent addition of
an appropriate nutrient solution.
Red Cells, BCR-AS contains a minimum haemoglobin content of 43 g.
The haematocrit is 0.50 to 0.70.
Red Cells, BCR-AS contains less than 1.2 × 109 of leucocytes and a
varying platelet content depending on the method of centrifugation.
2. Preparation
Red Cells, BCR-AS are derived from whole blood by centrifugation. For
preparation, the plasma and 20 to 60 mL of the buffy coat layer are
removed, resulting in the loss of 10 to 30 mL of the whole blood´s red
cells. The additive solution is immediately added to the red cells and
carefully mixed.

246
Table 5B-4
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume to be defined for the system used 1% of all units
Residual
leucocytes < 1.2 × 109 per unit 4 units per month
content2
Haemolysis at the
end of storage
product deviation.

Red Cells, BCR-AS must be kept at controlled temperature between
+ 2 °C to + 6 °C during storage. Depending on the anticoagulant/
additive system the storage time may be extended up to the approved
limit of the additive solution system
5. Labelling
247

appropriate:
filter.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, BCR-AS with the intended recipient must
be verified by suitable pre-transfusion testing.
Red Cells, BCR-AS is not recommended in:
• intolerance due to alloimmunisation against leucocyte antigens.
248
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
function;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 5. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted

Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted (LD) is a red cell component derived
from whole blood donation, Red Cells or Red Cells, BCR by removing
the leucocytes.
Red Cells, LD contains a minimum haemoglobin content of 40 g. The
Red Cells, LD contains less than 1.0 × 106 of leucocytes.
249
2. Preparation
Generally a filtration technique is used to produce Red Cells, LD.
Leucocyte depletion within 48 hours after donation is the standard.
Red Cells, LD can be produced:
• by leucocyte filtration of whole blood with subsequent centrifuga-
tion and removal of plasma;
• by leucocyte filtration of a red cell component.

Table 5B-5
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume To be defined for the system used 1% of all units
1% of all units with

Haemoglobin Minimum 40 g per unit a minimum of
4 units per month
Residual 1% of all units with

leucocytes < 1 × 106 per unit by count a minimum of
content2 10 units per month
250

Haemoglobin Minimum 40 g per unit a minimum of
4 units per month
Haemolysis at the
end of storage
product deviation.

Red Cells, LD must be kept at controlled temperature between + 2 °C
5. Labelling
appropriate:
251
• the name and volume of the additive solution (if appropriate);

filter.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, LD with the intended recipient must be
Red Cells, LD are not recommended in:
• plasma intolerance.
Adverse reactions
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
• alloimmunisation against red cell and HLA (very rarely) antigens;
252

function;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 6. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted

Red Cells, Leucocyte depleted in Additive solution (LD-AS) is a red cell
component derived from whole blood donation, from Red Cells, AS or
Red Cells, BCR-AS by removing the leucocytes to a maximum residual
content.
Red Cells, LD-AS contains a minimum haemoglobin content of 40 g.

The haematocrit is 0.50 to 0.70.
Red Cells, LD-AS contains less than 1.0 × 106 of leucocytes.
2. Preparation
Generally a filtration technique is used to produce Red Cells, LD-AS.
Leucocyte depletion within 48 hours after donation is the standard.
Red Cells, LD-AS can be produced:
• by leucocyte filtration of whole blood with subsequent centrifuga-

tion and removal of plasma and immediate addition of the additive
solution followed by carefully mixing;
• by leucocyte filtration of Red Cells, AS or Red Cells, BCR-AS.
253

Table 5B-6
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume To be defined for the system used 1% of all units
1% of all units
Residual with a minimum
< 1 × 106 per unit by count
leucocytes content2 of 10 units per
month
1% of all units
with a minimum
of 4 units per
month
Haemolysis at the
end of storage
product deviation.
254
Red Cells, LD-AS must be kept in controlled temperature between

+ 2 °C to + 6 °C during storage. Depending on the anticoagulant/
additive system the storage time may be extended up to the approved
limit of the additive solution system
5. Labelling
appropriate:
filter.
255
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, LD-AS with the intended recipient must be
Red Cells, LD-AS are not recommended in:
• plasma intolerance (may not apply to units with a low plasma
content).
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
256

function;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 7. Red Cells, Apheresis

Red Cells, Apheresis (Aph) is a red cell component obtained by
apheresis of a single donor using automated cell separation equipment.
Red Cell, Aph contains a minimum haemoglobin content of 40 g. The

haematocrit is 0.65 to 0.75, and 0.50 to 0.70 if an additive solution is used.
Leucocyte content of Red Cells, Aph might vary. When leucocyte deple-
ted, Red Cells, Aph normally contain less than 1.0 × 106 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
For preparation of Red Cells, Aph whole blood is removed by an
appropriate apheresis machine from the donor and anticoagulated
with a citrate-containing solution. The plasma is returned to the donor.
Either one or two units of Red Cells, Aph can be collected during a
single procedure.
Red Cells, Aph can be used either unmodified or after additional

processing e.g adding of an additive solution or leucocyte depletion.

257
Table 5B-7
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume To be defined by the system used 1% of all units
4 units per
Haematocrit 0.65-0.75
month
Haematocrit
4 units per
(if additive 0.50-0.70
month
solution)
4 units per
month
1% of all units
Residual leucocytes
with a minimum
content2 (if < 1 x 106 per unit by count
of 10 units per
leucocyte depleted)
month
Haemolysis at the 4 units per

< 0.8% of red cell mass
end of storage month
product deviation.

Red Cells, Aph must be kept at controlled temperature between + 2 °C
258

Red Cells, Aph to be stored must be collected and prepared in a
functionally closed system. If prepared or filtered by methods under
which the system has been opened, the storage time is limited to
24 hours at + 2 °C to + 6 °C.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the unique identity number. If two or more units are collected from
the donor in one session, each component must have an unique
component identity number;
• the name and volume of the additive solution (if appropriate);
259

filter.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, Aph with the intended recipient must be
Red Cells, Aph is not recommended in:
• plasma intolerance (may not apply to units with a low plasma
content unless IgA incompatibility is present).
Adverse reactions
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
• alloimmunisation against red cell and HLA (very rarely after
leucocyte-depletion) antigens;
260

function;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 8. Red Cells, Washed

Red Cells, Washed (W) is derived from secondary processing of a
red cell component or whole blood with sequential washing and
resuspension of the red cells in an additive solution.
Most of the plasma, leucocytes and platelets are removed. The amount
of residual plasma will depend upon the washing protocol. The
haematocrit can be varied according to clinical need.
2. Preparation
After centrifugation of the primary component and removal of plasma
or additive solution (and if applicable the buffy coat layer) the red cells
are washed by sequential addition and removal of an additive solution.
Centrifugation must be performed at a controlled temperature.

261
Table 5B-8
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume To be defined for the system used All units
Haematocrit 0.65-0.75 All units
Haemoglobin Minimum 40 g per unit All units
Haemolysis at end
< 0.8% of red cell mass All units
of the process
Protein content of
< 0.5 g per unit All units
final supernatant
product deviation.

Red Cells, W must be kept at controlled temperature between + 2 ºC
and + 6 ºC during storage.
When an open system has been used for washing the storage time should
be as short as possible after washing and must never exceed 24 hours.
If a closed system and a suitable additive solution are used, storage
times may be prolonged subject to validation.
Validated transport systems must ensure that at not time did the
temperature exceed + 10 °C.
5. Labelling
262

appropriate:
• the date and time of expiry;
• the name and volume of the washing solution;
filter.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, W with the intended recipient must be
not be transfused with red cells from RhD positive donors.
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
263
• anaphylaxis;
• iron overload.
Paragraph 9. Red Cells, Cryopreserved

Red Cells, Cryopreserved (Cryo) is a red cell component derived by
secondary processing of a red cell component or whole blood. The
red cells are frozen, preferably within 7 days of collection, using a
cryoprotectant, and stored at – 60 °C to – 80 °C or below depending
on the method of cryopreservation.
A reconstituted unit of Red Cells, Cryo contains low amounts of
protein, leucocytes and platelets. Each unit of Red Cells, Cryo contains
a minimum haemoglobin content of 36 g. The haematocrit is 0.65 to 0.75.
2. Preparation
Two methods are in general use for preparation of Red Cells, Cryo. One
is a high glycerol, the other a low glycerol technique. Both methods
require a washing/deglycerolisation procedure.
264

Table 5B-9
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Negative by approved
Anti-HIV 1 & 2 All units
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
Volume > 185 mL All units
Haemoglobin
< 0.2 g per unit All units
(supernatant)2
Haemoglobin Minimum 36 g per unit All units
1% of all units with a
Osmolarity2 < 340 mOsm/L minimum of 4 units per
month. If less, each unit.
1% of units with a
Residual leucocytes
< 0.1 × 109 cells per unit minimum of 4 units per
content3
Sterility Sterile minimum of 4 units per
product deviation.
2 Final suspending solution.
3 These requirements shall have been deemed to have been met if 90% of the units
tested fall within the values indicated.
265
Since cryopreservation allows prolonged storage, serum and/or plasma

samples obtained at collection must also be stored to enable future
testing for newly discovered markers of transmissible diseases at the
time of thawing of the component.
Red Cells, Cryo in frozen state

These must be constantly maintained at:
• – 60 °C to – 80 °C if stored in an electrical freezer when a high
glycerol method is used;
• – 140 °C to – 150 °C if stored in vapour phase liquid nitrogen, when
a low glycerol method is used.
The storage may be extended to at least ten years if the correct storage
temperature can be guaranteed.
Thawed reconstituted Red Cells, Cryo

Red Cells, Cryo must be stored at + 2 °C to + 6 °C. The storage time
must be as short as possible after washing and never exceed 24 hours
when an open system has been used.
If transport in the frozen state is unavoidable, storage conditions must
be maintained. Transport of thawed reconstituted red cells is limited by
the short storage time. Storage conditions must be maintained during
transport.
5. Labelling
The following information must be traceable for each frozen unit:
266

• the name and volume of the cryoprotective solution;
• additional component information if appropriate;
• the temperature of storage.
Labelling of the reconstituted component
After thawing and reconstitution (washing), the date of expiry must be

changed to the date (and time) of expiry, and the name and volume of
the cryoprotective solution must be changed to the name and volume
of the additive solution (if any). The following information must be
shown on the label of the reconstituted component or contained in the
component information leaflet, as appropriate:
filter.
267
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, Cryo with the intended recipient must be
When Red Cells, Cryo are processed in an open system, the risk of
bacterial contamination is increased and therefore extra vigilance is
required during transfusion.
Adverse reactions
• anaphylaxis;
• iron overload.
268
Part C. Platelet components

Paragraph 1. Platelets, Recovered, Single Unit

Platelets, Recovered, Single Unit (Rec, SU) is a platelet component
derived from a whole blood donation. It contains the majority of the
original whole blood platelet content suspended in plasma.
Platelets, Rec, SU contains more than 60 × 109 platelets.
Platelets, Rec, SU contains up to 0.2 × 109 leucocytes if prepared by
the platelet-rich plasma method, and up to 0.05 × 109 leucocytes if
prepared by the buffy coat method.
Platelets, Rec, SU can be used for neonatal and infant transfusion. In
order to achieve a “standard adult dose” 4 to 6 units of Platelets, Rec,
SU Platelets, Recovered, Single unit have to be transfused.
2. Preparation
Preparation from platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

A unit of whole blood stored up to 24 hours in conditions validated to
maintain temperature between + 20 °C and + 24 °C is centrifuged so
that an optimal number of platelets remain in plasma and the number of
leucocytes and red cells are reduced to a defined level. Platelets from PRP
are sedimented by hard spin centrifugation; the supernatant platelet-
poor plasma is removed leaving 50-70 mL of it with the platelets; finally
the platelets are allowed to disaggregate and are then resuspended.
Preparation from buffy coat

A whole blood unit stored for up to 24 hours in conditions validated
to maintain temperature between + 20 °C to + 24 °C is centrifuged so
that platelets are primarily sedimented to the buffy coat layer together
with leucocytes. The buffy coat is separated and further processed to
obtain a platelet concentrate. Single buffy coats diluted with plasma are
centrifuged so that platelets remain in the supernatant but red cells and
leucocytes are sedimented to the bottom of the bag.
270

Table 5C-1 lists the requirements. Additional testing may be required
Demonstration of the swirling phenomenon, based on light scattering
by platelets of normal morphology in movement, must be carried out
prior to the issue and transfusion of this component.
Table 5C-1
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
> 40 mL per 60 × 109 of
Volume All units
platelets
Platelet content
> 60 × 109 a minimum of
per final unit2
10 units per month
Residual leucocytes
per final unit3 1% of all units with
a minimum of
a. prepared from buffy-coat < 0.05 × 109 10 units per month
b. prepared from PRP < 0.2 × 109
pH measured (+ 22 ºC) 1% of all units with a
at the end of the > 6.4 minimum of 4 units
recommended shelf life4 per month
product deviation. (see next page)
271
4 Measurement of the pH in a closed system is preferable to prevent CO2 escape.
Measurement may be made at another temperature and converted by calculation for
reporting pH at + 22 °C.

Platelets, Rec, SU must be stored under conditions which guarantee
that their viability and haemostatic activities are optimally preserved.
Storage temperature must be + 20 ºC to + 24 ºC under constant agitation.
The maximum storage time for Platelets, Rec, SU is five days. Storage
may be extended to 7 days in conjunction with appropriate detection
or reduction of bacterial contamination.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Rec, SU must be
kept as close as possible to recommended storage temperature and, on
receipt, unless intended for immediate therapeutic use, they must be
transferred to storage under recommended conditions.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the unique identity number; if platelets are pooled the original
donations must be traceable;
272

• the volume of the blood component;
• the number of platelets (average or actual, as appropriate);
filter.
6. Warnings
Platelets, Rec, SU are not recommended in:
• RhD negative female recipients of child bearing age or younger should
preferably not be transfused with platelets from RhD positive donors.
Adverse reactions
• haemolytic reaction due to transfusion of ABO-incompatible
plasma in the component;
urticaria);
• anaphylaxis;
• alloimmunisation against HLA and red cell antigens;
• alloimmunisation against HPA antigens;
• syphilis transmission;
273

function;
• circulatory overload.
Paragraph 2. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled

Platelets, Recovered, Pooled (Rec, Pool) is a platelet component derived from
4 to 6 fresh whole blood donations which contains the majority of the orig-
inal platelet content in a therapeutically effective dose suspended in plasma.
Platelets, Rec, Pool contain a minimum platelet content of 2 × 1011.
Platelets, Rec, Pool contain a maximum of 1 × 109 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
Platelets, Rec, Pool can be produced:
• directly from whole blood derived buffy coats, which is the method
of choice;
• by secondary processing after pooling of 4-6 Platelets, Rec, SU.

A whole blood unit stored in conditions validated to maintain temper-
ature between + 20 °C to + 24 °C for up to 24 hours is centrifuged so
that platelets are primarily sedimented to the buffy coat layer together
with leucocytes. The buffy coat is separated and further processed so
that usually 4 to 6 blood group compatible buffy coats are pooled in a
sterile manner and resuspended with plasma. After careful mixing, the
buffy coat pool is centrifuged (soft spin) so that platelets remain in the
supernatant but red cells and leucocytes are effectively sedimented to
the bottom of the bag. The platelet containing supernatant is immedi-
ately transferred into a suitable platelet storage bag in a sterile manner.
Preparation of Platelets, Recovered, single units

4-6 units of Platelets, Rec, SU prepared by the PRP-method are
connected and pooled. If storage for longer than 6 hours is intended,
the pooling must be undertaken in a sterile manner.
274

by platelets of normal morphology in movement, may be carried out
either as a separate quality control procedure or as a routine part of the
issue and transfusion of this component.
Table 5C-2
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
> 40 mL per 60 × 109 of
Volume All units
platelets
Platelet content
Minimum 2 × 1011 minimum of 10 units
per final unit2
per month
Residual leucocytes
< 1 × 109 per final unit minimum of 10 units
content3
per month
pH measured (+ 22 ºC) 1% of all units with a
product deviation. (see next page)
275

Platelets, Rec, Pool must be stored under conditions which guarantee
The maximum storage time for Platelets, Rec, Pool is five days. Storage
may be extended to 7 days in conjunction with appropriate detection
or reduction of bacterial contamination.
When an open system has been used for preparation of Platelets, Rec,
Pool the storage time must not exceed 6 hours.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Rec, Pool must be
receipt, unless intended for immediate therapeutic use, the component
must be transferred to storage under recommended conditions.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
276

• the name of the anticoagulant solution
• additional component information: irradiated, number of
donations combined to make the pool, etc. (if appropriate);
filter.
6. Warnings
Platelets, Rec, Pool are not recommended in:

• RhD negative female recipients of child bearing age or younger
should preferably not be transfused with platelets from RhD
positive donors.
Adverse reactions
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
277

function.
Paragraph 3. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, Leucocyte-

Depleted
Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, Leucocyte-Depleted (Rec, Pool, LD) is a
leucocyte-depleted platelet component derived from 4 to 6 fresh whole
blood donations which contains the majority of the original platelet
content in a therapeutically effective dose suspended in plasma.
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD contain a minimum platelet content of 2 × 1011.
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD contain a maximum leucocyte content of
1.0 × 106 cells.
2. Preparation
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD are leucocyte-depleted by filtration. Pre-storage
leucocyte filtration is recommended in preference to filtration during
or shortly before transfusion.
278
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD can be produced:

• directly from whole blood derived buffy coats, which is the method
of choice;
• by secondary processing after pooling of 4-6 Platelets, Rec, SU.

A whole blood unit stored in conditions validated to maintain
temperature between + 20 °C to + 24 °C for up to 24 hours is
centrifuged so that platelets are primarily sedimented to the buffy coat
layer together with leucocytes. The buffy coat is separated and further
processed so that usually 4 to 6 blood group compatible buffy coats are
pooled in a sterile manner and resuspended with plasma. After careful
mixing, the buffy coat pool is centrifuged (soft spin) so that platelets
remain in the supernatant but red cells and leucocytes are effectively
sedimented to the bottom of the bag. The platelet containing
supernatant is immediately filtered and transferred into a suitable
platelet storage bag in a sterile manner.
Preparation from Platelets, Recovered, single units PRP method

4-6 units of Platelet, Rec, SU prepared by the PRP method are
connected, pooled, immediately filtered and transferred into a suitable
platelet storage bag. If storage for longer than 6 hours is intended, the
preparation must be undertaken in a sterile manner.

Table 5C-3 lists the requirements for the final component. Additional
testing may be required to comply with national requirements (see also
Chapter 9 Standards of screening for infectious markers).
279
Table 5C-3
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
> 40 mL per 60 × 109 of

Volume All units
platelets

Platelet content2 Minimum 2 × 1011 per unit a minimum of
10 units per month

Residual leucocytes3 < 1 × 106 per unit a minimum of
10 units per month
pH measured (+ 22 ºC) 1% of all units with

at the end of the > 6.4 a minimum of
recommended shelf life4 4 units per month
product deviation.
280

Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD must be stored under conditions which guarantee
The maximum storage time for Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD is five days.
Storage may be extended to 7 days in conjunction with detection or
reduction of bacterial contamination.
When an open system has been used for preparation of Platelets, Rec,
Pool, LD the storage time must not exceed 6 hours.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD must
be kept as close as possible to recommended storage temperature and, on
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the unique identity number; If platelets are pooled the original
281

filter.
6. Warnings
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD are not recommended in:
Adverse reactions
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
• alloimmunisation against HLA (very rarely after leucocyte-
depletion) and red cell antigens;
function.
282
Paragraph 4. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, in Additive

Solution
Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, in Additive Solution (Rec, Pool, AS) is a
platelet component derived from 4 to 6 fresh whole blood donations
which contains the majority of the original platelet content in a
therapeutically effective dose suspended in a mixture of plasma
(30-40%) and an additive solution (60-70%).
Platelets, Rec, Pool, AS contains a minimum platelet content of 2 × 1011.
Platelets, Rec, Pool, AS contains a maximum of 0.3 × 109 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
Platelets, Rec, Pool, AS is prepared from whole blood derived buffy coats.
processed so that usually 4 to 6 blood group compatible buffy coats
are pooled in a sterile manner and suspended in an additive solution.
After careful mixing, the buffy coat pool is centrifuged (soft spin) so
that platelets remain in the supernatant but red cells and leucocytes are
effectively sedimented to the bottom of the bag. The platelet containing
supernatant is immediately transferred into a suitable platelet storage
bag in a sterile manner.

283

Table 5C-4
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
> 40 mL per 60 × 109 of
Volume All units
platelets
10 units per month
Residual leucocytes
< 0.3 × 109 per unit a minimum of
content3
10 units per month
product deviation.
284

Platelets, Rec, Pool, AS must be stored under conditions which
guarantee that their viability and haemostatic activities are optimally
preserved.
The maximum storage time for Platelets, Rec, Pool, AS is five days.
reduction of bacterial contamination and depending on the type of
additive solution. When an open system has been used for preparation
of Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD the storage time must not exceed 6 hours.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Rec, Pool, AS must be
5. Labelling
appropriate:
285

filter.
6. Warnings
Platelets, Rec, Pool, AS is not recommended in:
Adverse reactions
• haemolytic reaction due to anti-A, -B in case of incompatible
transfusions;
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
function.
286
Paragraph 5. Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, Leucocyte-

Depleted, in Additive Solution
Platelets, Recovered, Pooled, Leucocyte-Depleted, in Additive Solution
(Rec, Pool, LD-AS) is a leucocyte-depleted platelet component derived
from 4 to 6 fresh whole blood donations which contains the majority of
the original platelet content in a therapeutically effective dose suspended
in a mixture of plasma (30-40%) and an additive solution (60-70%).
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD-AS contains a minimum platelet content of
2 × 1011.
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD-AS contains a maximum of 1.0 × 106 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD-AS is prepared from whole blood derived
buffy coats and leucocyte-depleted by filtration. Pre-storage leucocyte
filtration within 6 hours of preparation is recommended.
processed so that usually 4 to 6 blood group compatible buffy coats
are pooled in a sterile manner and suspended in an additive solution.
After careful mixing, the buffy coat pool is centrifuged (soft spin) so
that platelets remain in the supernatant but red cells and leucocytes
are effectively sedimented to the bottom of the bag. The platelet
containing supernatant is immediately filtered and transferred into a
suitable platelet storage bag in a sterile manner.
287

Table 5C-5
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
> 40 mL per 60 × 109 of
Volume All units
platelets
10 units per month
Residual leucocytes
< 1 × 106 per unit a minimum of
content3
10 units per month
pH measured4 (+ 22 ºC) 1% of all units with
recommended shelf life 4 units per month
product deviation.
288

Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD-AS must be stored under conditions which
guarantee that their viability and haemostatic activities are optimally
preserved.
The maximum storage time for Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD-AS is five days.
reduction of bacterial contamination and depending on the type of
additive solution.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD-AS must
be kept as close as possible to recommended storage temperature and, on
5. Labelling
appropriate:
289

filter.
6. Warnings
Platelets, Rec, Pool, LD, AS is not recommended in:
positive donors.
Adverse reactions
transfusions;
• anaphylaxis;
• non haemolytic transfusion reactions (mainly chills, fever and
urticaria). The incidence is reduced by the use of pre-storage
leucocyte depleted platelets;
• alloimmunisation against HLA (very rarely after leucocyte-
depletion) and red cell antigens;
290

function.
Paragraph 6. Platelets, Apheresis

Platelets, Apheresis (Aph) is a component obtained by platelet apheresis
of a single donor using automated cell separation equipment which
contains platelets in a therapeutically effective dose suspended in
plasma.
Platelets, Aph contains a minimum platelet content of 2 × 1011.
Platelets, Aph contains a maximum leucocyte content of 0.3 × 109 cells.
2. Preparation
For preparation of Platelets, Aph whole blood is removed from the
donor by the apheresis machine, anticoagulated with a citrate solution
and platelets are harvested from it.
For use in neonates and infants Platelets, Aph can be divided into
satellite units under sterile conditions.


291
Table 5C-6
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
> 40 mL per 60 ×109 of
Volume All units
platelets
Standard unit: minimum
2 × 1011 per unit 1% of all units with a
Platelet content For use in neonates or minimum of 10 units
infants: minimum per month
0.5 × 1011 per unit
Residual leucocytes
< 0.3 × 109 per unit minimum of 10 units
content2
per month
pH measured (+ 22 °C) 1% of all units with a
1 The frequency of control is an indication of minimal frequency and statistical
process control should be used to minimize the risk of a product deviation.

Platelets, Aph must be stored under conditions which guarantee that
their viability and haemostatic activities are optimally preserved.
292

Platelets, Aph to be stored for more than 6 hours must be collected and
prepared in a functionally closed system. The maximum storage time
for Platelets, Aph is five days. Storage may be extended to 7 days in
conjunction with detection or reduction of bacterial contamination.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Aph must be kept
as close as possible to recommended storage temperature and, on
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the unique identity number; if two or more units are collected from
• the relevant HLA and/or HPA type, if determined;
filter.
293
6. Warnings
Platelets, Aph is not recommended in:
positive donors.
Adverse reactions
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
function.
294
Paragraph 7. Platelets, Apheresis, Leucocyte-Depleted

Platelets, Apheresis, Leucocyte-Depleted (Aph, LD) is a leucocyte-
depleted platelet component obtained by platelet apheresis of a single
donor using automated cell separation equipment which contains
platelets in a therapeutically effective dose suspended in plasma.
Platelets, Aph, LD contain a minimum platelet content of 2 × 1011.
Platelets, Aph, LD normally contains a maximum content of

1.0 × 106 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
For preparation of Platelets, Aph, LD whole blood is removed from
the donor by the apheresis machine, anticoagulated with a citrate
solution and platelets are harvested from it. To reduce the number of
contaminating leucocytes centrifugation, filtration or other in-process
steps are included in the process. Pre-storage leucocyte depletion
is recommended (within 6 hours after preparation if performed by
filtration).
For use in neonates and infants Platelets, Aph, LD can be divided into
satellite units under sterile conditions

295
Table 5C-7
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
Volume > 40 mL per 60 × 109 of platelets All units
Standard unit: minimum 1% of all units
2 × 1011 per unit with a minimum
Platelet content
For use in neonates or infants: of 10 units
minimum 0.5 × 1011 per unit per month
1% of all units
Residual leucocytes with a minimum
< 1 × 106 per unit
content2 of 10 units
per month
pH measured (+ 22 ºC) 1% of all units
at the end of the with a minimum
> 6.4
recommended shelf of 4 units
life3 per month
product deviation.

Platelets, Aph, LD must be stored under conditions which guarantee
296

Platelets, Aph, LD to be stored for more than 6 hours must be collected
and prepared in a functionally closed system. The maximum storage
time for Platelets, Aph, LD is five days. Storage may be extended
to 7 days in conjunction with detection or reduction of bacterial
contamination.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Aph, LD must be
5. Labelling
appropriate:
filter.
297
6. Warnings
Platelets, Apheresis, LD is not recommended in:
positive donors.
Adverse reactions
• haemolytic reaction due to transfusion of ABO; incompatible
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria). The incidence is reduced by the use of pre-storage
leucocyte depleted platelets;
• alloimmunisation against HLA (very rarely) and red cell antigens;
function.
298
Paragraph 8. Platelets, Apheresis, in Additive Solution

Platelets, Aph, AS is a component obtained by platelet apheresis of
a single donor using automated cell separation equipment which
contains platelets in a therapeutically effective dose suspended in a
mixture of plasma (30-40%) and an additive solution (60-70%).
Platelets, Aph, AS contain a minimum platelet content of 2 × 1011.
Platelets, Aph, AS contain a maximum leucocyte content of

0.3 × 109 cells.
2. Preparation
For preparation of Platelets, Aph, AS whole blood is removed from
solution and platelets are harvested from it. Platelets are stored in a
combination of plasma and an appropriate additive solution
For use in neonates and infants Platelets, Aph, AS can be divided into
satellite units under sterile conditions.


299
Table 5C-8
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
HLA or HPA As required All units
> 40 mL per 60 × 109 of
Volume All units
platelets
2 × 1011 per unit 1% of all units with a
Platelet content For use in neonates or minimum of 10 units
infants: minimum per month
0.5 × 1011 per unit
Residual leucocytes
< 0.3 × 109 per unit minimum of 10 units
content2
per month
pH measured (+ 22 °C) 1% of all units with a
product deviation.

Platelets, Aph, AS must be stored under conditions which guarantee
300

Platelets, Aph, AS to be stored for more than 6 hours must be collected
and prepared in a functionally closed system. The maximum storage
time for Platelets, Aph, AS is five days. Storage may be extended
to 7 days in conjunction with detection or reduction of bacterial
contamination and depending on the type of additive solution.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Aph, AS must be
5. Labelling
appropriate:
301

filter.
6. Warnings
Platelets, Apheresis, AS is not recommended in:
positive donors.
Adverse reactions
transfusions;
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
function.
302
Paragraph 9. Platelets, Apheresis, Leucocyte-Depleted,

Platelets, Apheresis, Leucocyte-Depleted, in Additive Solution (Aph,
LD-AS) is a leucocyte-depleted platelet component obtained by platelet
apheresis of a single donor using automated cell separation equipment
which contains platelets in a therapeutically effective dose suspended
in a mixture of plasma (30-40%) and an additive solution (60-70%).
Platelets, Aph, LD-AS contains a minimum platelet content of 2 × 1011.
Platelets, Aph, LD-AS contains a maximum of 1.0 × 106 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
For preparation of Platelets, Aph, LD-AS whole blood is removed from
solution and platelets are harvested from it. Platelets are stored in a
combination of plasma and an appropriate nutrient solution. To reduce
the number of contaminating leucocytes centrifugation, filtration
or other in-process steps are included in the process. Pre-storage
leucocyte depletion is recommended (within 6 hours after preparation
if performed by filtration).
For use in neonates and infants Platelets, Aph, LD-AS can be divided
into satellite units under sterile conditions

303
Table 5C-9
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
HLA or HPA as required All units
> 40 mL per 60 × 109

Volume All units
of platelets

2 × 1011 per unit
Platelet content a minimum of
For use in neonates or infants:
10 units per month
minimum 0.5 × 1011 per unit

Residual leucocytes
< 1 × 106 per unit a minimum of
content2
10 units per month

product deviation.
304

Platelets, Aph, LD-AS must be stored under conditions which guarantee
Platelets, Aph, LD-AS to be stored for more than 6 hours must be
collected and prepared in a functionally closed system. The maximum
storage time for Platelets, Aph, LD-AS is five days. Storage may be
extended to 7 days in conjunction with detection or reduction of
bacterial contamination and depending on the type of additive solution.
During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Aph, LD-AS must
be kept as close as possible to recommended storage temperature
and, on receipt, unless intended for immediate therapeutic use, the
component must be transferred to storage under recommended
conditions.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
305

filter.
6. Warnings
Platelets, Aph, LD-AS is not recommended in:
should preferably not be transfused with platelets from RhD positive
donors.
Adverse reactions
transfusions;
• anaphylaxis;
urticaria);
• alloimmunisation against HLA (very rarely after pre-storage
leucocyte-depletion) and red cell antigens;
306

function.
Paragraph 10. Platelets, Cryopreserved

Platelets, Cryopreserved (Cryo) is a component prepared by the
freezing of Platelets, Aph, LD within 24 hours of collection, using a
cryoprotectant.
The reconstituted Platelets, Cryo contains more than 40% of the
original component.
The method provides extended storage of platelets from selected
donors and of autologous platelets.
2. Preparation
Prepared by secondary processing of Platelets, Aph, LD. The component
is cryopreserved within 24 hours of collection, using a cryoprotectant.
Two methods are in general use for preparation of Platelets, Cryo: one is
a DMSO (6% w/v), the other a very low glycerol (5% w/v) technique.
Before use the platelets are thawed, washed and resuspended in
(autologous) plasma or in a suitable additive solution.

As indicated for Platelets, Aph (Table 5C-6) with the following
additions and changes:
Table 5C-10
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
to be checked of control
Volume 50-200 mL All units
> 40% of the pre-freeze
Platelet content All units
platelet content
307
Platelets, Cryo when thawed will not swirl.

Platelets in the frozen state must be constantly maintained at:
• – 80 ºC if stored in an electrical freezer;
• – 150 ºC if stored in vapour phase liquid nitrogen.
If storage must be extended for more than one year, storage at – 150 ºC
is preferred.
If transport in the frozen state is unavoidable, storage conditions must
be maintained during transportation.
Thawed platelets must be used as soon as possible after thawing. If
short intermediate storage is required, the component must be kept
at + 20 ºC to + 24 ºC
Transportation of thawed platelets is limited by the short life of this
component. During transportation the temperature of Platelets, Cryo
must be kept as close as possible to + 20 ºC to + 24 ºC.
5. Labelling
The following information must be shown on the label or contained
in the component information leaflet, as appropriate and must be
traceable for each frozen unit:
308

• the temperature of storage.
Labelling of the reconstituted component

After thawing and reconstitution (washing), the date of expiry must be
changed to the date (and time) of expiry, and the name and volume of
the cryoprotective solution must be changed to the name and volume
of the additive solution (if any).
The following information must be shown on the label or contained in
the component information leaflet, as appropriate:
• the date of preparation;
• additional component information: Leucocyte depleted, irradiated,
etc. (if appropriate);
• the date of expiry (and time of expiry when required);
• the HPA type (if determined);
filter.
309
6. Warnings
Toxicity of residual cryoprotectant (e.g. DMSO).
Adverse reactions
transfusions when thawed platelets are resuspended in plasma;
urticaria);
• alloimmunisation against HLA (very rarely) and red cell antigens;
• transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI) ;
• graft versus host disease (GVHD);
• sepsis due to inadvertent bacterial contamination ;
• transmission of other pathogens that are not tested for or recognised.
310
Component monograhs
Pa r t D. P l a s m a co m p o n e n t s
Paragraph 1. Plasma, Fresh Frozen

Plasma, Fresh Frozen is a component for transfusion or for fractionation
prepared either from Whole Blood or from plasma collected by
apheresis, frozen within a period of time and to a temperature that will
adequately maintain the labile coagulation factors in a functional state.
Plasma, Fresh Frozen used as Human plasma for fractionation must
comply with the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia
monograph Human plasma for fractionation (Ph. Eur. monograph 0853).
Plasma, Fresh Frozen (FFP) used for clinical transfusion must comply
with the specifications given in this monograph (Part D, Paragraph 1).
It must contain, on average, not less than 70 IU Factor VIII per 100 mL
and at least similar quantities of the other labile coagulation factors
and naturally occurring inhibitors.
It must not contain irregular antibodies of clinical significance.
If leucocyte depleted, the component must contain less than
1 × 106 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
a. From whole blood
Plasma is separated from whole blood collected using a blood bag with
integral transfer packs, employing hard spin centrifugation, preferably
within 6 hours and not more than 18 hours after collection if the unit
is refrigerated. Plasma may also be separated from platelet rich plasma.
Plasma may also be separated from whole blood, which immediately
after donation has been rapidly cooled by a special device validated to
maintain the temperature between + 20 ºC and + 24 ºC and held at that
temperature for up to 24 hours.
Freezing must take place in a system that will allow complete freezing
within one hour to a temperature below – 30 ºC. If Plasma, Fresh
312
Frozen is to be prepared from a single pack whole blood donation,

adequate sterility precautions must be adopted.
b. By apheresis
Plasma, Fresh Frozen may be collected by apheresis. The freezing
process must commence within six hours of completion of the
procedure in a system which allows complete freezing within one hour
to a temperature below – 30 ºC. Where use is made of a special device
validated to rapidly cool the plasma to + 20 °C and + 24 °C and to
maintain the temperature in that range, the plasma can be held at that
temperature for up to 24 hours prior freezing.
c. Quarantine FFP
This FFP is released once the donor has been retested, at least for
HBsAg, anti-HIV and anti-HCV, with negative results after a defined
period of time, designed to exclude the risk associated with the
window period. A period of six months is generally applied. This may
be reduced if NAT testing is performed.

Table 5D-1 lists the requirements. Additional testing may be required
Table 5D-1(a)
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Grouping
ABO, RhD1, 2 All units
Only for clinical FFP
1 Unless performed on whole blood used as the source.
2 Unless intended only for fractionation.
313
Table 5D-1(b)
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume Stated volume ± 10% All units
Average (after freezing and thawing): Every 3 months
Factor VIII not less than 70 IU Factor VIII 10 units in the first
per 100 mL month of storage1
Red cells: < 6.0 × 109/L 1% of all units with
Leucocytes: < 0.1 × 109/L a minimum of
Platelets: < 50 × 109/L 4 units per month
Residual cells2
1% of all units, with
If leucocyte depleted: < 1 × 106 a minimum of
10 units per month3
No leakage at any part of container
e.g. visual inspection after pressure
Leakage All units
in a plasma extractor, before freezing
and after thawing
Visual changes No abnormal colour or visible clots All units
1 The exact number of units to be tested could be determined by statistical process
control.
2 Cell counting performed before freezing.
3 This requirement is deemed to be met if 90% of the units tested fall within the
values indicated.

The following storage times and temperatures are permitted:
• 36 months at below – 25 °C;
• 3 months at – 18 ºC to – 25 ºC.
Storage temperature must be maintained during transport. Unless for
immediate use the packs must be transferred at once to storage at the
recommended temperature.
In order to preserve labile factors, Plasma, Fresh Frozen must be used
as soon as possible following thawing. It must not be refrozen.
314
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the ABO RhD group (only for clinical FFP);
• additional component information: leucocyte depleted, irradiated,
quarantined, etc. (if appropriate);
filter.
After thawing, the date of expiry must be changed to the appropriate
date (and time) of expiry. The temperature of storage must be changed
accordingly.
6. Warnings
Transfusion of ABO blood group incompatible plasma may result in
haemolytic transfusion reaction.
Plasma, Fresh Frozen must not be used in a patient with intolerance to
plasma proteins.
Before use the component must be thawed in a properly controlled
environment and the integrity of the pack must be verified to exclude
315
any defects or leakages. No insoluble cryoprecipitate must be visible on

completion of the thaw procedure.
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
function;
• anaphylaxis and allergic reactions.
Paragraph 2. Plasma, Fresh Frozen, Pathogen Reduced

Plasma, Fresh Frozen, Pathogen Reduced (PR) is a component for trans-
fusion prepared from a single donation either of Whole Blood or of
plasma collected by apheresis, subjected to a pathogen inactivating
procedure and frozen within a period of time and to a temperature that
will adequately maintain the labile coagulation factors in a functional
state.
Plasma, Fresh Frozen, PR used for clinical transfusion must comply
with the specifications given in this monograph.
It contains, on average, about 50 to 70 per cent of the labile coagulation
factors and naturally occurring inhibitors present in fresh unfrozen/
thawed plasma.
316
The pathogen inactivating procedure on average reduces the risk for

infection with enveloped viruses (such as HBV, HCV and HIV) at least
a thousand fold.
It must not contain irregular antibodies of clinical significance.
If leucocyte-depleted, the component must contain less than
1 × 106 leucocytes.
2. Preparation
Plasma, Fresh Frozen, PR is prepared from plasma obtained from
whole blood or collected by apheresis as described for Plasma, Fresh
Frozen. The inactivation procedure is either applied before, or after
freezing and thawing of plasma.
Pathogen reduction procedures are performed according to the
manufacturers’ instructions by one of the following methods:
methylene blue, amotosalen and riboflavin methods.16
to comply with National requirements (see also Chapter 9 Standards
for screening for infectious markers).
Table 5D-2(a)
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Grouping
ABO, RhD1 All units
screening test
HBsAg All units
screening test
16 For pools of less than 12 single units, solvent detergent may be used as the pathogen
reduction technique but this is not covered in this monograph.
317
Anti-HCV All units
screening test
Table 5D-2(b)
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Every 3 months
Average: not less than 50-70 IU
Factor VIII 10 units in the first
Factor VIII per 100 mL
month of storage1
Average (after freezing and thawing): Every 3 months
Fibrinogen ≥ 60 % of the potency of the freshly 10 units in the first
collected plasma unit month of storage1
Red cells: < 6.0 × 109/L 1% of all units with
Leucocytes: < 0.1 × 109/L a minimum of
Platelets: < 50 × 109/L 4 units per month
Residual cells2
1% of all units, with
If leucocyte depleted: < 1 × 106/L a minimum of
10 units per month3
No leakage at any part of container
e.g. visual inspection after pressure
Leakage All units
in a plasma extractor, before freezing
and after thawing
Visual changes No abnormal colour or visible clots All units
1 The exact number of units to be tested could be determined by statistical process
control.
2 Cell counting performed before freezing.
3 This requirement is deemed to be met if 90% of the units tested fall within the
values indicated.

The following storage times and temperatures are permitted:
• 36 months at or below – 25 °C;
318
Storage temperature must be maintained during transport. Unless for
immediate use, the packs must be transferred at once to storage at the
recommended temperature.
In order to preserve labile factors, Plasma, Fresh Frozen, PR must be
used as soon as possible following thawing. It must not be refrozen.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
the donor in one session, each component must have a unique
• the ABO RhD group;
• the name of the pathogen inactivating compound;
• additional component information: leucocyte-depleted, irradiated,
etc. (if appropriate);
319

filter.
accordingly.
6. Warnings
Plasma Fresh Frozen, PR must not be used:
• in a patient with intolerance to plasma proteins;
• when prepared by amotosalen treatment in neonates undergoing
phototherapy;
• when prepared by methylene blue procedure for patients with
G6PD deficiency;
• in case of known allergy to the compounds used for or generated by
pathogen reduction procedure.
any defects or leakages. No insoluble cryoprecipitate must be visible on
completion of the thaw procedure.
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
• viral transmission (hepatitis B and C, HIV) is highly unlikely.
Transmission of other pathogens that are not tested for or not
sensitive to pathogen inactivation is possible;
function;
320
• anaphylaxy and allergic reactions including allergy to the compounds
used for or generated by pathogen reduction procedures.
Paragraph 3. Cryoprecipitate
Cryoprecipitate is a component containing the cryoglobulin fraction
of plasma obtained by further processing of Plasma, Fresh Frozen and
then concentrated.
Contains a major portion of the Factor VIII, von Willebrand factor,

fibrinogen, Factor XIII and fibronectin present in freshly drawn and
separated plasma
2. Preparation
Plasma, Fresh Frozen is thawed, either overnight at + 2 ºC to + 6 ºC
or by the rapid thaw-siphon thaw technique. After thawing,
the component is re-centrifuged using a hard spin at the same
temperature. The supernatant cryo poor plasma is then partially
removed. The resulting cryoprecipitate is then rapidly frozen.
When cryoprecipitate is prepared from whole blood derived plasma

the maximal final volume of the component is 40 mL.
Alternatively, Plasma, Fresh Frozen obtained by apheresis may be used

as the starting material, the final component being prepared by the
same freezing/thawing/refreezing technique.
Leucocyte depletion of the starting material and/or virus inactivation,

and/or quarantine, is a requirement in some countries.
321

to comply with National requirements (see also Chapter 9 Standards
for screening for infectious markers).
Table 5D-3a
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Grouping
ABO, RhD1, 2 All units
anti-HIV 1 & 2 Negative by approved screening test All units
anti-HCV Negative by approved screening test All units

2 Unless intended only for fractionation.
Table 5D-3b
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume1 30-40 mL All units
Every 2 months:
a. pool of 6 units of mixed blood groups
Factor VIII ≥ 70 IU per unit during first month of storage
b. pool of 6 units of mixed blood groups
during last month of storage
1% of all units with a minimum of
Fibrinogen ≥ 140 mg per unit
4 units per month
322
Every 2 months:
Von a. pool of 6 units of mixed blood groups
Willebrand > 100 IU per unit during first month of storage
Factor b. pool of 6 units of mixed blood groups
during last month of storage
1 This table is designed for quality control of Cryoprecipitate obtained from FFP
derived from one unit of whole blood. In the event that apheresis FFP is used as a
starting material the volume may be different.
The stability on storage is dependent on the storage temperature. The
optimal storage temperature is below – 25 ºC. Approved storage times are:
• 36 months at or below – 25 ºC;
Storage temperature must be maintained during transport. The receiving
hospital blood bank must ensure that Cryoprecipitate has remained
frozen during transit. Unless for immediate use, the Cryoprecipitate
must be transferred at once to storage at the temperature stated above.
Before use, Cryoprecipitate must be thawed in a properly controlled
environment at + 37 ºC immediately after removal from storage.
Dissolving of the precipitate must be encouraged by careful
manipulation during the thawing procedure.
In order to preserve labile factors, Cryoprecipitate must be used as soon
as possible following thawing. It must not be refrozen.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
323
• the ABO group;
• additional component information: Leucocyte depleted, irradiated,
quarantined, etc. (if appropriate);
filter.
accordingly.
6. Warnings
any defects or leakages.
Cryoprecipitate is not recommended for patients with intolerance to
plasma proteins.
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
• possibility of development of inhibitors to Factor VIII in patients
with haemophilia;
324
• in rare instances, haemolysis of recipient red blood cells due to high

titre alloagglutinins in the donor have been recorded;
function.
Paragraph 4. Plasma, Fresh Frozen, Cryoprecipitate-

Depleted
Plasma, Fresh Frozen, Cryoprecipitate-Depleted is a component
prepared from Plasma, Fresh Frozen by the removal of cryoprecipitate.
Its content of albumin, immunoglobulins and coagulation factors
is the same as that of Plasma, Fresh Frozen, except that the levels of
the labile Factors V and VIII are markedly reduced. The fibrinogen
concentration is also reduced in comparison to Plasma, Fresh Frozen.
2. Preparation
Plasma, Fresh Frozen, Cryoprecipitate-Depleted is the by-product of the
preparation of cryoprecipitate from Plasma, Fresh Frozen.
Leucocyte depletion of the starting material and/or virus inactivation,
and/or quarantine, is a requirement in some countries.
As indicated for Plasma, Fresh Frozen (Table 5D-1) with the addition
given in Table 5D-4. Additional testing may be required to comply
with National requirements (see also Chapter 9 Standards of screening
for infectious markers).
325
Table 5D-4
Parameter Frequency
Requirements

The stability on storage is dependent on the storage temperature. The
optimal storage temperature is below – 25 ºC. Approved storage times are:
• 36 months at or below – 25 ºC;
• 3 months at – 18ºC to – 25 ºC.
Storage temperature must be maintained during transport. The
receiving hospital blood bank must ensure that Plasma, Fresh Frozen,
Cryoprecipitate-Depleted has remained frozen during transit. Unless for
immediate use, the units must be transferred at once to storage at the
temperature stated above.
In order to preserve labile factors, Plasma Fresh Frozen, Cryoprecipitate-
Depleted, must be used as soon as possible following thawing. It must
not be refrozen.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the ABO group;
326

• additional component information: leucocyte depleted, irradiated,
quarantined, pathogen reduced, etc. (if appropriate);
filter.
accordingly.
6. Warnings
Plasma Fresh Frozen, Cryoprecipitate-Depleted is not recommended for
patients with intolerance to plasma proteins.
Adverse reactions
urticaria);
function;
327
328
Part E. White cell components

Paragraph 1. Granulocytes, Apheresis

Granulocytes Apheresis is a component which contains granulocytes
suspended in plasma obtained by apheresis of a single donor using
automated cell separation equipment.
An adult therapeutic dose of Granulocytes, Apheresis contains between
1.5 × 108 – 3.0 × 108 granulocytes/kg body weight of the designated
recipient.
Granulocytes, Apheresis has a significant content of red blood cells,
lymphocytes and platelets.
Granulocytes, Apheresis must be irradiated.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Clinical efficacy, indication and dosage of granulocyte transfusion
have not been established. Prior to the collection the potential donor
of granulocytes needs to receive medication and sedimenting agents
will be required during the apheresis procedure. Both of these have
potentially severe side effects which are described below. Thus, it is
essential to gain the informed consent of the donor. In addition to the
recognized complications of routine donor apheresis, the following
side effects may occur:
• Hydroxyethyl starch (HES): acts as a volume expander, and donors
who have received HES may experience headaches or peripheral
oedema because of expanded circulatory volume, HES may
accumulate, which can result in pruritus, and allergic reactions are
possible.
• Corticosteroids: may cause, for example hypertension, diabetes,
cataracts, and peptic ulcer.
• G-CSF: The most common short-term complication following
G-CSF administration in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donors
is bone pain, although on very rare occasions, splenic rupture or
330
lung injury may occur. Concerns over Acute Myeloid Leukemia

(AML)/Myelodysplasia (MDS) development following G-CSF
administration are based primarily on reports of increased rates
of AML/MDS among women with breast cancer who received
chemotherapy or patients with Severe Chronic Neutropenia (SCN)
who received G-CSF support. To date registry data from Europe
and the United States have not identified any increased risk of
AML/MDS including data of over 100 000 healthy individuals
who donated PBSC and received G-CSF as pre-treatment, but the
median follow-up of these studies is less than 5 years.
2. Preparation
The donor requires pre-treatment with corticosteroid and/or growth
factors. Granulocytes, Apheresis are collected from a single donor by
apheresis. Optimal collection yields will require the use of a sedimenting
agent, such as HES, low molecular weight dextran or modified fluid gelatin.
Table 5E-1 lists the requirements. Additional testing may be required to
comply with National requirements (see also Chapter 9 Standards for
Table 5E-1
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
HLA (when required) Typing As required
Volume < 500 mL All units
Achieve clinical dose: e.g. adult
Granulocytes content patient with 60 kg: 0.9-1.8 × 1010 All units
granulocytes per unit
331

This preparation is not suitable for storage and must be transfused
as soon as possible after collection. If unavoidable, storage must be
limited to the shortest possible period.
The unit must be transported to the user in a suitable container at

+ 20 ºC to + 24 ºC, but without agitation.
5. Labelling
appropriate:
• the name of the anticoagulant solution and additive solutions and/

or other agents;
• additional component information: irradiated,
• the date of expiry (and time of expiry, when required);
• the number of granulocytes;
• HLA type if determined;

filter.
332
6. Warnings
Because of the possibility of severe adverse effects associated with both
the collection (donor side effects) and the transfusion of granulocytes
(recipient side effects) the goals of granulocyte transfusion must be
clearly defined before a course of therapy is initiated.
As there is significant content of red blood cells, compatibility of donor
red cells with the designated recipient must be verified by suitable pre-
transfusion testing. RhD negative female recipients of child-bearing
potential must not be transfused with Granulocyte Concentrates from
RhD-positive donors; if RhD-positive concentrates have to be used
the prevention of RhD immunisation by use of RhD-immune globulin
must be considered.
Attention to HLA compatibility is also required for allo-immunized
recipients.
Granulocytes, Apheresis must be irradiated.
CMV-seronegative components for CMV-seronegative recipients must
be considered.
Administration through a micro-aggregate or leucocyte reduction
filter is contraindicated.
The risk of adverse reactions is increased with concomitant
administration of Amphotericin B.
Adverse reactions
The adverse reactions associated with the administration of this
component are:
urticaria);
• alloimmunisation against red cell antigens, HLA, HPA and HNA;
333

• protozoal transmission (e.g. malaria, toxoplasmosis) may occur in
rare instances;
• citrate intoxication in neonates and in patients with impaired liver
function;
• accumulation of HES in multi-exposed patients.
334
Chapter 6
Standards for blood components for

intrauterine, neonatal and infant use
Part A. Components for intrauterine

transfusions
Part B. Components for neonatal exchange

transfusion
Part C. Components (small volume) for

neonatal and infant transfusion
Specially designed blood components are required for intrauterine,

neonatal and infant transfusion.
These recipients are particularly prone to the complications of cyto-
megalovirus infection and appropriate steps to minimise the risk are
required.
Methods of preparation, storage and administration of these components
should be validated to ensure that the delivered potassium load is
within acceptable limits.
If components are split for use in neonates and infants each satellite
pack must have a unique unit identity number which allows
traceability to the donation.
335
336
Standards of blood
components for intrauterine,
neonatal and infant use
Par t A. Components for

intrauterine transfusions
Paragraph 1. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted for

Intrauterine Transfusion
Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted for Intrauterine Transfusion (IUT) is a red
cell component for intrauterine transfusion.
Red Cells, IUT has a haematocrit (Ht) of 0.70 to 0.85.
Red Cells, IUT contains less than 1 × 106 leucocytes per unit.
2. Preparation
Red Cells, IUT, is prepared by the secondary processing of Whole
Blood, LD; Red Cells, LD or Red Cells, LD-AS. In order to achieve the
required haematocrit, the storage medium is partly removed and/or
exchanged for another appropriate solution.
Red Cells, IUT, must be compatible with both mother and fetus. In
the event that the fetal blood group is not known, a type O RhD-
negative donation must be selected unless the mother has blood group
antibodies which necessitate the use of another blood group. The red
cells must be antigen negative for any relevant maternal antibody.
The component must not contain irregular antibodies of clinical
significance.
Red Cells, IUT, must be used within five days from donation.
Red Cells, IUT, must be irradiated and used within 24 hours of
irradiation.
As indicated for the source component with the following additions
changes given in Table 6A-1.
Table 6A-1
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
338

The storage and transport conditions are as for primary component.
The storage time must not be longer than 24 hours after concentration
and irradiation and five days from donation.
5. Labelling
The additional and/or amended labelling requirements to those of the
primary component are:
• the relevant blood group phenotype, if the maternal antibody is
other than anti-RhD;
• the modified date and time of preparation;
• the modified date and time of expiry;
• the name of the anticoagulant or additive solution;
• additional component information: irradiated;
• the haematocrit of the blood component.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of this component with maternal serum/plasma must be
The rate of transfusion should be controlled to avoid excessive
fluctuations in blood volume.
As the fetus is at increased risk of graft versus host disease, the
component must be irradiated.
Adverse reactions
Although the component is given to the fetus, adverse reactions may
also affect the mother.
The adverse reactions are outlined in the relevant primary component
monograph.
339
In addition the fetus is especially vulnerable to:

• CMV infection;
• citrate toxicity;
• metabolic imbalance (e.g. hyperkalaemia);
Paragraph 2. Platelets, Leucocyte-Depleted for

Intrauterine Transfusion
Platelets, Leucocyte-Depleted for Intrauterine Transfusion (IUT) is a a
platelet component for intrauterine transfusion, obtained from a single
donor either by apheresis or from whole blood.
Platelets, IUT must be leucocyte depleted, irradiated and may be
hyperconcentrated.
Platelets, IUT contains from 45 to 85 × 109 platelets (on average 70 × 109)
in 50 to 60 mL of suspension medium.
2. Preparation
Platelets, IUT is prepared from either Platelets, Apheresis, LD, or by the
leucocyte-depletion of Platelets, Recovered, and where appropriate the
collection is from an HPA compatible donor.
The component can be concentrated if necessary by removing part of
the supernatant solution by centrifugation. This must be followed by a
1 hour resting period.
If platelets obtained from the mother are to be transfused, then these
must be depleted of plasma and re-suspended in an additive solution.
Platelets, IUT must be irradiated.
As indicated for the source component with the following additions
changes given in Table 6A-2.
340
Table 6A-2
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
HPA1 Typing When required
Volume 50-60 mL All units
Platelet content 45-85 × 109 per unit All units
1 HPA typing of the selected donor, not of the individual component.

Storage and transport as defined for primary component, but must be
used within 6 hours after any secondary concentration process.
5. Labelling
primary component Platelets, IUT, are:
• if components are split for use in neonates and infants each split
must have a unique unit identity number which allows traceability
to the donation;
• additional component information:
• irradiated, plasma or supernatant reduced, etc. (if appropriate);
• the platelet count;
• the date and time of expiry.
6. Warnings
As the fetus is at increased risk of graft versus host disease, the
component must be irradiated.
volume.
Monitor for possible bleeding after puncture.
341
Adverse reactions
Although the component is given to the fetus, adverse reactions may
also affect the mother.
The adverse reactions are outlined in the relevant primary component
monograph.
In addition the fetus is especially vulnerable to:
• cytomegalovirus infection;
342
Standards of blood
Par t B. Components
for neonatal exchange
transfusion
Paragraph 1. Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted for

Exchange Transfusion
Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted for Exchange Transfusion (ET)
corresponds to Whole Blood, LD with the properties as defined in the
relevant monograph, selected for neonatal exchange transfusion to be
transfused within five days of donation.
2. Preparation
If the maternal antibody is anti-RhD, the component is prepared from
type O RhD-negative red cells. If maternal antibody is other than anti-
RhD, red cells are selected that are antigen negative for any relevant
maternal antibody.
Whole Blood, ET must be irradiated:
• if there is a history of prior IUT;
• for all other patients unless compelling clinical circumstances
indicate that delay would compromise the clinical outcome.
Whole Blood, ET must be used within 24 hours of irradiation.

As indicated for Whole Blood, LD.

The storage and transport of Whole Blood, ET is as in the monograph
for Whole Blood, LD.
The storage time must not be longer than 24 hours after irradiation
and five days from donation.
5. Labelling
The additional and/or amended labelling requirements to those of
Whole Blood, LD are:
• blood group phenotype, if the antibody is other than anti-RhD;
344

• additional component information: irradiated.
6. Warnings
Blood group compatibility with any maternal antibodies is essential.
volume.
Adverse reactions
In addition to the adverse reactions identified for Whole Blood, LD,
particular concerns in the context of the newborn undergoing exchange
transfusion are:
• metabolic imbalance including: citrate toxicity, hypocalcaemia,
hyperkalaemia, hypoglycaemia, hypokalaemia;
• thrombocytopenia;
• graft versus host disease unless irradiated;
• haemolytic transfusion reaction.
Paragraph 2. Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted, Plasma

Reduced for Exchange Transfusion
Whole Blood, Leucocyte-Depleted, Plasma Reduced for Exchange
Transfusion (PR, ET). Whole Blood, PR, ET is Whole Blood, ET with a
proportion of the plasma removed.
2. Preparation
Whole Blood, LD is selected within five days from donation and a
proportion of the plasma is removed to achieve a clinically prescribed
haematocrit.
345

type O RhD-negative donation. If maternal antibody is other than anti-
maternal antibody.
Whole Blood, PR, ET must be irradiated if:
• there is a history of prior IUT,
Whole Blood, PR, ET must be used within 24 hours of irradiation.

As indicated for Whole Blood, LD with the following additions or
changes as given in Table 6B-2.
Table 6B-2
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
As clinically prescribed
Haematocrit All units
or locally defined

The storage and transport of Whole Blood, PR, ET is as in the monograph
for Whole Blood, LD.
The storage time must not be longer than 24 hours after irradiation
and 5 days from donation.
5. Labelling
The additional and/or amended labelling requirements to those of
Whole Blood, LD are:
• additional component information: irradiated, haematocrit.
346
6. Warnings
Blood group compatibility with any maternal antibodies is essential.
volume.
Adverse reactions
In addition to the adverse reactions identified for Whole Blood,
LD, particular concerns in the context of the newborn undergoing
exchange transfusion are:
Paragraph 3. Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted, suspended

in Fresh Frozen Plasma for Exchange Transfusion
Red Cells, Leucocyte-Depleted, suspended in Fresh Frozen Plasma,
for Exchange Transfusion (Red Cells, in FFP, ET) is a reconstituted
component derived from Red Cells, LD or Red Cells, LD-AS to which
Plasma, Fresh Frozen is added.
2. Preparation
Red Cells, LD or Red Cells, LD–AS are selected within 5 days from
collection for secondary processing. Supernatant containing additive
solution and/or plasma is removed after centrifugation and thawed fresh
frozen plasma is added to reach the clinically required haematocrit.
347

type O RhD-negative red cells. If maternal antibody is other than anti-
maternal antibody. The red cells and FFP must be ABO compatible
with mother and infant.
Red Cells, in FFP, ET must be irradiated if:
• there is a history of prior IUT;
Red Cells, in FFP, ET must be used within 24 hours of irradiation.

As indicated for the source component (Red Cells, LD; Red Cells, LD-AS
and FFP) with the following additions and changes given in Table 6B-3.
Table 6B-3
Parameter Frequency
Requirement
Haematocrit As clinically prescribed or locally defined All units

The storage and transport of Red Cells, in FFP, ET is as in the monograph
for Red Cells, LD or Red Cells, LD–AS.
In addition, storage time must not be longer than 24 hours after
reconstitution and irradiation and 5 days from the red cell donation.
5. Labelling
reconstituting components are:
• a new unique identity number by which the original donations’
identity numbers must be traceable;
348

• the ABO and RhD group of the red cells;
• the date and time of preparation;
• the new date and time of expiry;
• additional component information: irradiated, haematocrit.
6. Warnings
Compatibility of Red Cells, in FFP, ET with the intended recipient
must be verified by suitable pre-transfusion testing. Blood group
compatibility with any maternal antibodies is essential.
volume.
Adverse reactions
The side effects are those of the two constituting components.
Particular concerns in the context of the newborn undergoing
exchange transfusion are:
349
350
Standards of blood
Par t C. Components
(small volume) for neonatal
and infant transfusion
Paragraph 1. Red Cells for Neonatal and Infant Small

Volume Transfusion

Red Cells for Neonatal and Infant Small Volume Transfusion is a red cell
component derived from Red Cells, BCR; Red cells, BCR-AS; Red Cells,
LD or Red Cells, LD-AS, which is divided into satellite units.
The properties are those of the primary component.
2. Preparation
Red Cells for Neonatal and Infant Small Volume Transfusion are prepared
by the secondary processing of Red Cells, BCR; Red cells, BCR-AS; Red
Cells, LD or Red Cells, LD-AS. The selected component is divided into
3 to 8 satellite packs by using a closed or functionally closed system.
The component may be irradiated where clinically indicated.
3. Quality control
Quality control of the primary component is stated in the relevant
component monograph. Additional quality control of the final
component is given in the Table 6C-1.
Table 6C-1
Parameter Frequency
Requirements
Volume 25-100 mL per unit All units

Storage and transport requirements as for primary red cell component.
The storage time must not exceed that of the original component. If
the component is irradiated, it must be used within 48 hours.
352
5. Labelling
primary red cell component are:
• if components are split for use in neonates and infants each satellite
pack must have a unique unit identity number which allows
traceability to the donation;
• the volume or weight of the component;
• the date and time of expiry.
6. Warnings
Transfusion rates must be carefully controlled.
Not for rapid transfusion or large volume transfusion unless used
within 5 days from red cell donation.
Adverse reactions
Adverse reactions are those of the primary component selected for secon-
dary processing. In addition of particular concern for the infant are:
• metabolic imbalance (e.g hyperkalaemia in massive transfusion or
if rapidly transfused);
• GvHD.
353
354
Chapter 7
Standards for autologous pre-deposit

transfusion
Paragraph 1. General overview

Autologous blood components obtained from pre-operative donations
must be collected, prepared and stored in the same conditions as
allogeneic donations.
For these reasons, predeposit autologous donation must be carried
out in or under the control of blood establishments or in authorised
clinical departments which are subject to the same rules and controls
of this activity as blood establishments.
Role of the physician in charge of collection
The physician in charge of blood collection takes the final responsibi-
lity for ensuring that the patient’s clinical condition allows preoperative
blood donation.
Where autologous donation is contra-indicated, the physician in charge
of blood collection informs the patient and the physician in charge of
the patient.
Informed consent
Patients must be informed:
• about the autologous transfusion procedure, and the risks and
benefits thereof;
355
• about the biological tests, including virological markers, that will be

performed;
• that allogeneic transfusion will be used in addition to autologous if
needed;
• that unused units will be destroyed.
This information must lead to written informed consent being obtained.
In paediatrics, the information must be given to the child and the
parents, and the parents must give a written informed consent.
Contra-indications of predeposit donations

Any active bacterial infection is an absolute contra-indication.
Paragraph 2. Predeposit blood components preparation,

storage and distribution
Blood typing and microbiological screening of autologous
blood components
Blood typing and microbiological screening must be the same as the
minimum required for allogeneic components.
Preparation of autologous blood components

The methods used for the preparation must be the same as for
allogeneic components.
Labelling of autologous blood components

The label on the container must state, in addition to the information
valid for allogeneic blood components, the following:
• the statement: ‘AUTOLOGOUS DONATION’;
• the statement: ‘STRICTLY RESERVED FOR’;
• family name and first name,
• date of birth,
• identity number of the patient.
356
Storage and handling of autologous blood components

Autologous blood components must be stored under the same
conditions as, but separate from, allogeneic components.
Pre-transfusion tests must be carried out as for allogeneic components.
Release procedures must include a confirmation of identity:
• on the components labels,
• on the prescription document,
• and at the bedside.
Untransfused autologous blood components must not be used for
allogeneic transfusion or plasma fractionation.
357
358
Chapter 8
Standards for blood group serology
Paragraph 1. General overview

The below listed prescriptions should be followed for pre-analytical,
analytical and post-analytical procedures:
• For pre-analytical procedures, it is necessary to ensure and
document that the reagents used are in-date and have been stored
according to specifications.
• All samples used must be correctly labelled and suitable for the
analysis to be performed.
• Appropriate performance checks must be carried out on equipment
on a daily basis.
• Analytical procedures must be performed according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, or adaptations must be fully validated.
There must be a reliable process in place for transcribing, collating and
interpreting results.
Paragraph 2. Blood group serology testing of blood

donations
ABO and RhD testing must be performed on all donations.
• The ABO and RhD labelling of the red cell concentrates of all first
time donations must be based upon two independent ABO and
RhD tests.
359
• The ABO and RhD blood group must be verified on each

subsequent donation and a comparison must be made with the
historically determined blood group.
• If a discrepancy is found, the applicable blood components must
not be released until the discrepancy is unequivocally resolved.
All first time donors and repeat and regular donors with a history of
transfusions or pregnancy since the last donation, must be tested for
clinically significant irregular red cell antibodies. Where applicable, the
blood or blood component must be labeled accordingly.
Paragraph 3. Validation of reagents

The validation of reagents must detect deviation from the established
minimal quality requirements (specifications). In the EU, blood group
reagents are considered as in vitro diagnostic devices and must be
CE marked. EU Directive 98/79/EC classified the ABO RhD, Kell
test serum and A and B cells in list A. The manufacturer must have
a full Quality System certified by an authorised body and submit an
application containing all the control results for each lot.
An evaluation of quality is performed on samples before purchasing
batches of commercial reagents. Prospective purchasers must require
potential suppliers to provide them with full validation data for all lots
of reagents. Each lot of reagent must be validated by the purchaser and
the results should be as good as the specifications contained in the
manufacturers monograph. Minimum potency standards for anti-A,
anti-B and anti-RhD must be used in the assessment of blood grouping
reagents.
Paragraph 4. Quality control

Quality control procedures in blood group serology for equipment,
reagents and techniques must be established.
Laboratories undertaking blood group serology testing must
participate in a regular external quality assurance programme.
360
Chapter 9
Standards for screening for infectious

markers
Paragraph 1. Selection and validation of infectious

markers tests
Only tests that have been licensed or evaluated and considered suitable
by the responsible Health Authorities can be used. In the EU, these
reagents are considered as in vitro diagnostic devices and must be CE
marked. EU Directive 98/79/EC classifies the HIV, HTLV, hepatitis B
and hepatitis C screening tests in list A. The manufacturer must have
a full Quality System certified by an authorised body and submit an
application containing all the control results for each lot.
Screening test for infectious markers must be performed in accordance
with the instructions provided by the manufacturer of reagents and
test kits.
All laboratory assays and test systems, including modifications, for
infectious disease marker screening used by blood establishments must
be validated before introduction to ensure compliance with intended
use of the test.
All techniques and modification to techniques in use must be validated.
Correct determination of negative and positive controls as provided
by and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions is a minimum
requirement.
361
Paragraph 2. Mandatory serological screening tests

The minimum mandatory serological blood donor screening tests are:
• antibody to HIV-1(anti-HIV-1) and HIV-2 (anti-HIV-2) including
outlying types (e.g. HIV-1 type O),
• antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV),
• hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) assay which will detect at least
0.5 IU/mL of HBsAg.
Appropriate quality control measures must be in place when screening
for infectious markers. Specific requirements are shown in Table 9-1.
Table 9-1. Quality control of mandatory serological screening tests

Parameter Frequency
Requirement
Anti-HIV 1/2 screening
Detection of weak positive serum1 Each plate/run
sensitivity
Anti-HCV screening
sensitivity
HBsAg screening test detection of 0.5 IU/mL standard Each plate/run
1 Where possible the weak positive control should not be the one provided by the
manufacturer.
Laboratories undertaking infectious disease testing of blood donations

must participate in a regular external quality assurance programme.
Paragraph 3. Additional serological screening tests

National authorities may also require additional screening tests such
as Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) or ELISA for
syphilis, antibody to human T-cell lymphotropic virus types I (anti-
HTLV-1) and II (anti-HTLV-II), antibody to hepatitis B core antigen
(anti-HBc).
362
Table 9-2. Quality control of additional serological screening
Parameter Frequency
Requirement
Syphilis: TPHA or Detection of weak
Each plate/run
ELISA positive serum1
Anti-HTLV I/II Detection of weak
Each plate/run
screening test positive serum1
Detection of weak
Anti-HBc screening test Each plate/run
positive serum1
1 Where possible, the weak positive control should not be the one provided by the
manufacturer.
Paragraph 4. Management of reactive results in

serological screening tests
If any of the repeat tests are reactive, then the donation is deemed
repeatedly reactive. The donation must not be used for transfusion
or manufacture of medicinal products. Samples from the donation
must be sent to a certified/accredited medical microbiology reference
laboratory for confirmation.
Initially reactive donations must be retested in duplicate by the same
assay unless otherwise recommended by the manufacturer.
Algorithms to enable consistent resolution of repeatedly reactive
donations must be in place. In the event that the repeatedly reactive
donation is confirmed positive, the donor must be notified and a
further sample obtained to reconfirm the results and the identity of
the donor. The results of confirmatory testing identifying evidence of
ongoing infection must be discussed with the donor and the donor
must be deferred from donation, and referred for appropriate care.
The above rules do not necessarily apply to all donations found
repeatedly reactive for anti-HBc. Additional testing, e.g. for HBs-
antibody and/or HBV-DNA might enable some repeatedly reactive
donations to be used clinically.
363
In the event that a confirmed HBV, HCV or HIV infection is shown in

a repeat donor, the blood establishment must undertake a look back
procedure on previous potentially infectious donations. This must
include the following:
• The blood establishment must inform the hospital in writing about
the incident and advise the hospital to trace the recipient(s) of the
implicated blood component(s) and inform the treating physician
about the potentially infectious transfusion.
• The relevant plasma fractionation organisation must be notified.
• If the recipient is confirmed to be positive for the given infection
the incident must be reported to the national haemovigilance
system and/or competent authority.
Paragraph 5. Nucleic acid amplification techniques

If screening of blood donations by Nucleic Acid Amplification
Techniques (NAT) is required by National Authorities for release
of blood components, the NAT assays must be validated to detect
5000 IU/mL for HCV-NAT and 10 000 IU/mL for HIV-NAT (as
defined for the single donation by WHO standards).
Table 9-3. Quality control of HCV and HIV nucleic acid

amplification techniques (HCV- and HIV-NAT)
Parameter Frequency
Requirement
Detection of 5000 IU1/mL HCV-RNA Internal control for
HCV-NAT
per donation each NAT reaction
Detection of 10 000 IU1/mL HIV RNA Internal control for
HIV-NAT
per donation each NAT reaction
1 As defined by WHO standards.
364
Paragraph 6. Selective screening of donations

Testing of selected donations for antibody to cytomegalovirus (anti-
CMV) may be undertaken. When performed the assay and test
system must be fully validated. Confirmation of reactive results and
notification of reactive donors is not necessary.
Testing of selected donations for malaria antibody may be undertaken.
When performed the assay and test system must be fully validated.
Table 9-4. Quality control of selective screening tests
Parameter Frequency
Requirement
Anti-CMV screening
test
Malaria antibody test Detection of weak positive serum1 Each plate/run
1 Where possible the weak positive control should not be the one provided by the
manufacturer.
365
366
Chapter 10
Standards for transfusion
Paragraph 1. Pre-transfusion measures

Prior to any transfusion of blood components, appropriate indications
must be considered and documented.
Identification of patient at blood sampling

Samples for blood typing and compatibility testing must be clearly
labelled and uniquely identify the patient.
The phlebotomist’s signature must be on the blood order.
Blood group serological investigations

a. Blood typing
The ABO and RhD blood type and, when needed, other blood types,
must be determined on the patient’s blood sample before transfusions
except in emergencies when a delay may be life threatening and
typing may be carried out in parallel with transfusion of the blood
components.
The laboratory must have a reliable and validated procedure for blood
typing which will include double checking of data at the time of
issuing a report on the blood group, and other serological findings, for
inclusion in the patient’s clinical record.
367
b. Compatibility testing
The compatibility between donor red cells and recipient’s plasma or

serum must be assured in transfusions of components containing
amounts of red cells visible to the naked eye.
Compatibility testing must be carried out on a sample taken no more

than 4 days before the proposed transfusion for patients who have
been transfused or pregnant during the last three months.
When clinically significant red cell alloantibodies are present in the

patient’s circulation, red cells which lack the corresponding antigens
must be selected for transfusion whenever possible.
Compatibility testing between donor red cells and recipient’s plasma or

serum must be done in all cases with irregular red cell antibodies.
c. Type and screen
A type and screen procedure, where used as a replacement for

compatibility testing, must include:
• a reliable and validated, preferably by computer, checking

procedure when the blood units are delivered;
• reagent red cells which cover all antigens, preferably homozygous,

corresponding to the vast majority of clinically important
antibodies;
• sufficiently sensitive techniques for the detection of red cell

antibodies;
• laboratory records of tests performed and of the destination of all

units handled (including patient identification);
• a sample of the serum used for cross-matching or antibody

screening must be retained for a period of time as determined by
national regulations.
368
Paragraph 2. Transfusion
Safety measures
Procedures must be in place to assure the safety of each step in the
transfusion process.
The person who administers blood components to a patient must
identify the patient correctly.
The identification number and nature of the units transfused must
be noted in the patient’s record so that the donors can be traced if
necessary.
Clinical surveillance
Observation of the patient during and after transfusion is essential to
ensure that early signs and symptoms of a possible transfusion reaction
are promptly identified.
Confirmation of transfusion must be sent back to hospital blood bank.
Handling and storage of blood
Once the infusion set is inserted into the blood component pack, the
infusion must generally be completed in no more than 6 hours. If
the transfusion is disconnected, it must not be restarted and the unit
should be discarded because of risk of bacterial contamination.
Warming of blood
If indicated, blood can be warmed. In that case a specifically designed
commercial device must be used according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. Blood warming devices must be properly maintained, and
validated to ensure that the correct temperature of the blood is achieved.
Addition of medicinal products or infusion solutions to
components
Because of the risk of damage to the blood components medicinal
products or infusion solutions must not be added to blood units.
369
Handling of frozen units

If thawing in a water bath, steps must be taken to prevent
contamination of the administration ports.
After thawing of frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate the content must
be inspected to ensure that all the contents have been dissolved and
that the container is not damaged. Containers which leak must be
discarded. Thawed preparations should be transfused as soon as
possible and must not be refrozen.
Adverse reactions
Procedures must be in place for the management, investigation and
reporting of adverse reactions.
370
Chapter 11
Standards for haemovigilance
Haemovigilance procedures must be in place, ensuring the organised
surveillance of serious adverse or unexpected events or reactions in
recipients of blood and blood components.
Haemovigilance procedures must be in place, ensuring both the organi-
sed surveillance of serious adverse or unexpected events or reactions in
donors and the epidemiological assessment of infections in donors.
The results of haemovigilance analysis must be fed back periodically to
the providers of haemovigilance data and communicated to the field
and to relevant competent authorities, including recommendations on
preventive or corrective measures.
Paragraph 2. Prerequisites for implementation of a

haemovigilance network
Haemovigilance must be a shared responsibility of the professionals in
the field and the competent national authorities for blood safety.
Traceability of blood components
There must be procedures in place ensuring full traceability, allowing the
tracing of each individual unit of blood or blood components derived
from it, from the donor to its final destination, whether this is a patient,
a manufacturer of medicinal products or disposal, and vice versa.
371
Traceability must also cover cases in which the blood unit or component
is not transfused to a patient, but is used for the manufacturing of medi-
cinal products or for research and investigational purposes, or disposed of.
of blood components has a serious adverse reaction, indicating that a
blood component may have been the cause.
Confidentiality of haemovigilance data

Any database of haemovigilance reports must operate in compliance
with applicable regulations on confidentiality of individual medical
patient and donor data. Individual reports must be anonymised.
Paragraph 3. Device defects

When a causality assessment suggests that a device had at least a
possible role in causing an adverse reaction/event the manufacturer
or his authorised representative must be notified at the same time as
the competent authority, even if at the time of the reporting the full
causality may not necessarily be established.
Paragraph 4. Post-transfusion infection reported to the

blood establishment
of blood components develops laboratory tests results and/or disease
symptoms, indicating that a blood component may have been
infectious for hepatitis (B or C) or HIV.
The blood establishment must request relevant information from the
hospital about the infection and the recipient’s course of disease and
possible risk factors in the recipient for the infection.
The blood establishment physician must establish a plan of investiga-
tion, the results of which must be recorded.
The incident must be reported to the national competent authorities.
372
Annex
Table 1. Blood volume of women in mL as calculated according to

the ICSH formula.1 The weights and heights corresponding to the
minimum acceptable blood volumes of 3,233 mL, 3,400 mL and
3,567 mL are indicated on grey backgrounds
kg 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
145 cm 3,141 3,167 3,193 3,219 3,244 3,269 3,294 3,319 3,343 3,367
146 cm 3,157 3,183 3,209 3,235 3,260 3,285 3,310 3,335 3,359 3,384
147 cm 3,172 3,199 3,225 3,251 3,276 3,301 3,327 3,351 3,376 3,400
148 cm 3,187 3,214 3,240 3,266 3,292 3,318 3,343 3,368 3,392 3,417
149 cm 3,203 3,230 3,256 3,282 3,308 3,334 3,359 3,384 3,409 3,433
150 cm 3,218 3,245 3,272 3,298 3,324 3,350 3,375 3,400 3,425 3,450
151 cm 3,234 3,261 3,287 3,314 3,340 3,366 3,391 3,416 3,441 3,466
152 cm 3,249 3,276 3,303 3,329 3,356 3,381 3,407 3,433 3,458 3,483
153 cm 3,264 3,291 3,318 3,345 3,371 3,397 3,423 3,449 3,474 3,499
154 cm 3,279 3,307 3,334 3,361 3,387 3,413 3,439 3,465 3,490 3,515
155 cm 3,295 3,322 3,349 3,376 3,403 3,429 3,455 3,481 3,506 3,532
156 cm 3,310 3,337 3,365 3,392 3,418 3,445 3,471 3,497 3,523 3,548
1 Pearson TC, Guthrie DL, Simpson J, Chinn C, Barosi G, Ferrant A, Lewis SM,

Najean Y; Intrepretation of measured red cell mass and plasma volume in adults:
Expert Panel on Radionuclides of the International Council for Standardisation in
Haematology. Br. J. Haem. 1995,89:748-56.
373
kg 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
157 cm 3,325 3,353 3,380 3,407 3,434 3,461 3,487 3,513 3,539 3,564
158 cm 3,340 3,368 3,396 3,423 3,450 3,476 3,503 3,529 3,555 3,581
159 cm 3,355 3,383 3,411 3,438 3,465 3,492 3,519 3,545 3,571 3,597
160 cm 3,370 3,399 3,426 3,454 3,481 3,508 3,535 3,561 3,587 3,613
161 cm 3,385 3,414 3,442 3,469 3,497 3,524 3,550 3,577 3,603 3,629
162 cm 3,400 3,429 3,457 3,485 3,512 3,539 3,566 3,593 3,619 3,645
163 cm 3,416 3,444 3,472 3,500 3,528 3,555 3,582 3,609 3,635 3,661
164 cm 3,430 3,459 3,487 3,515 3,543 3,571 3,598 3,625 3,651 3,677
165 cm 3,445 3,474 3,503 3,531 3,559 3,586 3,613 3,640 3,667 3,693
166 cm 3,460 3,489 3,518 3,546 3,574 3,602 3,629 3,656 3,683 3,709
167 cm 3,475 3,504 3,533 3,561 3,589 3,617 3,645 3,672 3,699 3,726
168 cm 3,490 3,519 3,548 3,577 3,605 3,633 3,660 3,688 3,715 3,741
169 cm 3,505 3,534 3,563 3,592 3,620 3,648 3,676 3,703 3,731 3,757
170 cm 3,520 3,549 3,578 3,607 3,636 3,664 3,692 3,719 3,746 3,773
171 cm 3,535 3,564 3,593 3,622 3,651 3,679 3,707 3,735 3,762 3,789
172 cm 3,550 3,579 3,608 3,637 3,666 3,695 3,723 3,750 3,778 3,805
173 cm 3,564 3,594 3,624 3,653 3,681 3,710 3,738 3,766 3,794 3,821
174 cm 3,579 3,609 3,638 3,668 3,697 3,725 3,754 3,782 3,809 3,837
175 cm 3,594 3,624 3,653 3,683 3,712 3,741 3,769 3,797 3,825 3,853
176 cm 3,608 3,639 3,668 3,698 3,727 3,756 3,784 3,813 3,841 3,868
177 cm 3,623 3,653 3,683 3,713 3,742 3,771 3,800 3,828 3,856 3,884
178 cm 3,638 3,668 3,698 3,728 3,757 3,786 3,815 3,844 3,872 3,900
179 cm 3,652 3,683 3,713 3,743 3,772 3,802 3,831 3,859 3,887 3,916
180 cm 3,667 3,698 3,728 3,758 3,788 3,817 3,846 3,875 3,903 3,931
181 cm 3,682 3,712 3,743 3,773 3,803 3,832 3,861 3,890 3,919 3,947
182 cm 3,696 3,727 3,758 3,788 3,818 3,847 3,877 3,905 3,934 3,962
183 cm 3,711 3,742 3,772 3,803 3,833 3,862 3,892 3,921 3,950 3,978
184 cm 3,725 3,756 3,787 3,818 3,848 3,878 3,907 3,936 3,965 3,994
185 cm 3,740 3,771 3,802 3,832 3,863 3,893 3,922 3,952 3,981 4,009
374
kg 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
145 cm 3,391 3,414 3,438 3,461 3,484 3,507 3,529 3,552 3,574 3,596
146 cm 3,408 3,431 3,455 3,478 3,501 3,524 3,547 3,569 3,591 3,613
147 cm 3,424 3,448 3,472 3,495 3,518 3,541 3,564 3,587 3,609 3,631
148 cm 3,441 3,465 3,489 3,512 3,535 3,558 3,581 3,604 3,627 3,649
149 cm 3,458 3,482 3,505 3,529 3,552 3,576 3,599 3,622 3,644 3,667
150 cm 3,474 3,498 3,522 3,546 3,570 3,593 3,616 3,639 3,662 3,684
151 cm 3,491 3,515 3,539 3,563 3,587 3,610 3,633 3,656 3,679 3,702
152 cm 3,507 3,532 3,556 3,580 3,604 3,627 3,650 3,674 3,697 3,719
153 cm 3,524 3,548 3,573 3,597 3,621 3,644 3,668 3,691 3,714 3,737
154 cm 3,540 3,565 3,589 3,614 3,638 3,661 3,685 3,708 3,731 3,754
155 cm 3,557 3,581 3,606 3,630 3,654 3,678 3,702 3,725 3,749 3,772
156 cm 3,573 3,598 3,623 3,647 3,671 3,695 3,719 3,743 3,766 3,789
157 cm 3,590 3,615 3,639 3,664 3,688 3,712 3,736 3,760 3,783 3,807
158 cm 3,606 3,631 3,656 3,681 3,705 3,729 3,753 3,777 3,801 3,824
159 cm 3,622 3,647 3,672 3,697 3,722 3,746 3,770 3,794 3,818 3,841
160 cm 3,639 3,664 3,689 3,714 3,739 3,763 3,787 3,811 3,835 3,859
161 cm 3,655 3,680 3,705 3,730 3,755 3,780 3,804 3,828 3,852 3,876
162 cm 3,671 3,697 3,722 3,747 3,772 3,797 3,821 3,845 3,869 3,893
163 cm 3,687 3,713 3,738 3,764 3,789 3,813 3,838 3,862 3,886 3,910
164 cm 3,703 3,729 3,755 3,780 3,805 3,830 3,855 3,879 3,903 3,928
165 cm 3,720 3,746 3,771 3,797 3,822 3,847 3,872 3,896 3,921 3,945
375
kg 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
166 cm 3,736 3,762 3,788 3,813 3,838 3,864 3,888 3,913 3,938 3,962
167 cm 3,752 3,778 3,804 3,830 3,855 3,880 3,905 3,930 3,955 3,979
168 cm 3,768 3,794 3,820 3,846 3,872 3,897 3,922 3,947 3,972 3,996
169 cm 3,784 3,810 3,837 3,862 3,888 3,914 3,939 3,964 3,988 4,013
170 cm 3,800 3,827 3,853 3,879 3,905 3,930 3,955 3,981 4,005 4,030
171 cm 3,816 3,843 3,869 3,895 3,921 3,947 3,972 3,997 4,022 4,047
172 cm 3,832 3,859 3,885 3,911 3,937 3,963 3,989 4,014 4,039 4,064
173 cm 3,848 3,875 3,901 3,928 3,954 3,980 4,005 4,031 4,056 4,081
174 cm 3,864 3,891 3,918 3,944 3,970 3,996 4,022 4,047 4,073 4,098
175 cm 3,880 3,907 3,934 3,960 3,987 4,013 4,039 4,064 4,090 4,115
176 cm 3,896 3,923 3,950 3,977 4,003 4,029 4,055 4,081 4,106 4,132
177 cm 3,912 3,939 3,966 3,993 4,019 4,046 4,072 4,097 4,123 4,148
178 cm 3,927 3,955 3,982 4,009 4,036 4,062 4,088 4,114 4,140 4,165
179 cm 3,943 3,971 3,998 4,025 4,052 4,078 4,105 4,131 4,156 4,182
180 cm 3,959 3,987 4,014 4,041 4,068 4,095 4,121 4,147 4,173 4,199
181 cm 3,975 4,003 4,030 4,057 4,084 4,111 4,137 4,164 4,190 4,216
182 cm 3,991 4,018 4,046 4,073 4,100 4,127 4,154 4,180 4,206 4,232
183 cm 4,006 4,034 4,062 4,089 4,117 4,143 4,170 4,197 4,223 4,249
184 cm 4,022 4,050 4,078 4,105 4,133 4,160 4,187 4,213 4,239 4,266
185 cm 4,038 4,066 4,094 4,121 4,149 4,176 4,203 4,229 4,256 4,282
376
kg 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79
145 cm 3,618 3,639 3,661 3,682 3,703 3,724 3,745 3,765 3,786 3,806
146 cm 3,635 3,657 3,679 3,700 3,721 3,742 3,763 3,784 3,804 3,825
147 cm 3,653 3,675 3,697 3,718 3,739 3,761 3,782 3,802 3,823 3,844
148 cm 3,671 3,693 3,715 3,736 3,758 3,779 3,800 3,821 3,842 3,862
149 cm 3,689 3,711 3,733 3,754 3,776 3,797 3,818 3,839 3,860 3,881
150 cm 3,706 3,729 3,751 3,772 3,794 3,816 3,837 3,858 3,879 3,900
151 cm 3,724 3,746 3,769 3,790 3,812 3,834 3,855 3,876 3,897 3,918
152 cm 3,742 3,764 3,786 3,808 3,830 3,852 3,873 3,895 3,916 3,937
153 cm 3,759 3,782 3,804 3,826 3,848 3,870 3,892 3,913 3,934 3,956
154 cm 3,777 3,800 3,822 3,844 3,866 3,888 3,910 3,931 3,953 3,974
155 cm 3,795 3,817 3,840 3,862 3,884 3,906 3,928 3,950 3,971 3,993
156 cm 3,812 3,835 3,858 3,880 3,902 3,924 3,946 3,968 3,990 4,011
157 cm 3,830 3,853 3,875 3,898 3,920 3,942 3,964 3,986 4,008 4,029
158 cm 3,847 3,870 3,893 3,916 3,938 3,960 3,982 4,004 4,026 4,048
159 cm 3,865 3,888 3,911 3,933 3,956 3,978 4,001 4,023 4,044 4,066
160 cm 3,882 3,905 3,928 3,951 3,974 3,996 4,019 4,041 4,063 4,085
161 cm 3,899 3,923 3,946 3,969 3,992 4,014 4,037 4,059 4,081 4,103
162 cm 3,917 3,940 3,963 3,986 4,009 4,032 4,055 4,077 4,099 4,121
163 cm 3,934 3,958 3,981 4,004 4,027 4,050 4,072 4,095 4,117 4,139
164 cm 3,951 3,975 3,998 4,022 4,045 4,068 4,090 4,113 4,135 4,158
165 cm 3,969 3,992 4,016 4,039 4,062 4,085 4,108 4,131 4,153 4,176
377
kg 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79
166 cm 3,986 4,010 4,033 4,057 4,080 4,103 4,126 4,149 4,171 4,194
167 cm 4,003 4,027 4,051 4,074 4,098 4,121 4,144 4,167 4,189 4,212
168 cm 4,020 4,044 4,068 4,092 4,115 4,139 4,162 4,185 4,207 4,230
169 cm 4,037 4,062 4,086 4,109 4,133 4,156 4,179 4,203 4,225 4,248
170 cm 4,055 4,079 4,103 4,127 4,150 4,174 4,197 4,220 4,243 4,266
171 cm 4,072 4,096 4,120 4,144 4,168 4,192 4,215 4,238 4,261 4,284
172 cm 4,089 4,113 4,137 4,162 4,185 4,209 4,233 4,256 4,279 4,302
173 cm 4,106 4,130 4,155 4,179 4,203 4,227 4,250 4,274 4,297 4,320
174 cm 4,123 4,147 4,172 4,196 4,220 4,244 4,268 4,291 4,315 4,338
175 cm 4,140 4,165 4,189 4,213 4,238 4,262 4,285 4,309 4,333 4,356
176 cm 4,157 4,182 4,206 4,231 4,255 4,279 4,303 4,327 4,350 4,374
177 cm 4,174 4,199 4,223 4,248 4,272 4,297 4,321 4,344 4,368 4,392
178 cm 4,191 4,216 4,241 4,265 4,290 4,314 4,338 4,362 4,386 4,409
179 cm 4,207 4,233 4,258 4,282 4,307 4,331 4,356 4,380 4,403 4,427
180 cm 4,224 4,250 4,275 4,300 4,324 4,349 4,373 4,397 4,421 4,445
181 cm 4,241 4,266 4,292 4,317 4,341 4,366 4,390 4,415 4,439 4,463
182 cm 4,258 4,283 4,309 4,334 4,359 4,383 4,408 4,432 4,456 4,480
183 cm 4,275 4,300 4,326 4,351 4,376 4,401 4,425 4,450 4,474 4,498
184 cm 4,291 4,317 4,343 4,368 4,393 4,418 4,443 4,467 4,491 4,516
185 cm 4,308 4,334 4,360 4,385 4,410 4,435 4,460 4,485 4,509 4,533
378
kg 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
145 cm 3,826 3,846 3,866 3,886 3,906 3,925 3,944 3,964 3,983 4,002 4,021
146 cm 3,845 3,865 3,885 3,905 3,925 3,944 3,964 3,983 4,002 4,021 4,040
147 cm 3,864 3,884 3,904 3,924 3,944 3,964 3,983 4,003 4,022 4,041 4,060
148 cm 3,883 3,903 3,923 3,943 3,963 3,983 4,003 4,022 4,042 4,061 4,080
149 cm 3,902 3,922 3,942 3,963 3,983 4,002 4,022 4,042 4,061 4,081 4,100
150 cm 3,920 3,941 3,961 3,982 4,002 4,022 4,041 4,061 4,081 4,100 4,119
151 cm 3,939 3,960 3,980 4,001 4,021 4,041 4,061 4,081 4,100 4,120 4,139
152 cm 3,958 3,979 3,999 4,020 4,040 4,060 4,080 4,100 4,120 4,139 4,159
153 cm 3,977 3,997 4,018 4,039 4,059 4,079 4,099 4,119 4,139 4,159 4,178
154 cm 3,995 4,016 4,037 4,057 4,078 4,098 4,119 4,139 4,159 4,178 4,198
155 cm 4,014 4,035 4,056 4,076 4,097 4,117 4,138 4,158 4,178 4,198 4,218
156 cm 4,032 4,053 4,074 4,095 4,116 4,136 4,157 4,177 4,197 4,217 4,237
157 cm 4,051 4,072 4,093 4,114 4,135 4,155 4,176 4,196 4,217 4,237 4,257
158 cm 4,069 4,091 4,112 4,133 4,154 4,174 4,195 4,215 4,236 4,256 4,276
159 cm 4,088 4,109 4,130 4,152 4,173 4,193 4,214 4,235 4,255 4,275 4,295
160 cm 4,106 4,128 4,149 4,170 4,191 4,212 4,233 4,254 4,274 4,295 4,315
161 cm 4,125 4,146 4,168 4,189 4,210 4,231 4,252 4,273 4,293 4,314 4,334
162 cm 4,143 4,165 4,186 4,208 4,229 4,250 4,271 4,292 4,312 4,333 4,353
163 cm 4,161 4,183 4,205 4,226 4,248 4,269 4,290 4,311 4,332 4,352 4,373
164 cm 4,180 4,202 4,223 4,245 4,266 4,288 4,309 4,330 4,351 4,371 4,392
165 cm 4,198 4,220 4,242 4,263 4,285 4,306 4,328 4,349 4,370 4,390 4,411
379
kg 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
166 cm 4,216 4,238 4,260 4,282 4,304 4,325 4,346 4,368 4,389 4,410 4,430
167 cm 4,234 4,257 4,279 4,300 4,322 4,344 4,365 4,386 4,408 4,429 4,450
168 cm 4,253 4,275 4,297 4,319 4,341 4,362 4,384 4,405 4,427 4,448 4,469
169 cm 4,271 4,293 4,315 4,337 4,359 4,381 4,403 4,424 4,445 4,467 4,488
170 cm 4,289 4,311 4,334 4,356 4,378 4,400 4,421 4,443 4,464 4,486 4,507
171 cm 4,307 4,329 4,352 4,374 4,396 4,418 4,440 4,462 4,483 4,505 4,526
172 cm 4,325 4,348 4,370 4,392 4,415 4,437 4,459 4,480 4,502 4,523 4,545
173 cm 4,343 4,366 4,388 4,411 4,433 4,455 4,477 4,499 4,521 4,542 4,564
174 cm 4,361 4,384 4,407 4,429 4,451 4,474 4,496 4,518 4,540 4,561 4,583
175 cm 4,379 4,402 4,425 4,447 4,470 4,492 4,514 4,536 4,558 4,580 4,602
176 cm 4,397 4,420 4,443 4,466 4,488 4,511 4,533 4,555 4,577 4,599 4,620
177 cm 4,415 4,438 4,461 4,484 4,506 4,529 4,551 4,574 4,596 4,618 4,639
178 cm 4,433 4,456 4,479 4,502 4,525 4,547 4,570 4,592 4,614 4,636 4,658
179 cm 4,451 4,474 4,497 4,520 4,543 4,566 4,588 4,611 4,633 4,655 4,677
180 cm 4,468 4,492 4,515 4,538 4,561 4,584 4,607 4,629 4,651 4,674 4,696
181 cm 4,486 4,510 4,533 4,556 4,579 4,602 4,625 4,648 4,670 4,692 4,714
182 cm 4,504 4,528 4,551 4,574 4,598 4,621 4,643 4,666 4,689 4,711 4,733
183 cm 4,522 4,546 4,569 4,592 4,616 4,639 4,662 4,684 4,707 4,729 4,752
184 cm 4,540 4,563 4,587 4,610 4,634 4,657 4,680 4,703 4,725 4,748 4,770
185 cm 4,557 4,581 4,605 4,628 4,652 4,675 4,698 4,721 4,744 4,767 4,789
380
Table 2. Blood volume of men in mL as calculated

according to the ICSH formula
kg 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
160 cm 3,774 3,813 3,852 3,890 3,927 3,965 4,001 4,038 4,074 4,110
161 cm 3,795 3,834 3,873 3,911 3,949 3,986 4,023 4,060 4,096 4,132
162 cm 3,816 3,855 3,894 3,932 3,970 4,008 4,045 4,082 4,118 4,154
163 cm 3,837 3,876 3,915 3,954 3,992 4,030 4,067 4,104 4,140 4,177
164 cm 3,858 3,897 3,936 3,975 4,013 4,051 4,089 4,126 4,162 4,199
165 cm 3,878 3,918 3,957 3,996 4,035 4,073 4,110 4,148 4,184 4,221
166 cm 3,899 3,939 3,978 4,017 4,056 4,094 4,132 4,169 4,206 4,243
167 cm 3,919 3,960 3,999 4,038 4,077 4,116 4,154 4,191 4,228 4,265
168 cm 3,940 3,980 4,020 4,060 4,098 4,137 4,175 4,213 4,250 4,287
169 cm 3,961 4,001 4,041 4,081 4,120 4,158 4,197 4,235 4,272 4,309
170 cm 3,981 4,022 4,062 4,102 4,141 4,180 4,218 4,256 4,294 4,331
171 cm 4,002 4,042 4,083 4,123 4,162 4,201 4,240 4,278 4,316 4,353
172 cm 4,022 4,063 4,103 4,144 4,183 4,222 4,261 4,300 4,338 4,375
173 cm 4,042 4,084 4,124 4,164 4,204 4,244 4,283 4,321 4,359 4,397
174 cm 4,063 4,104 4,145 4,185 4,225 4,265 4,304 4,343 4,381 4,419
175 cm 4,083 4,125 4,166 4,206 4,246 4,286 4,325 4,364 4,403 4,441
176 cm 4,103 4,145 4,186 4,227 4,267 4,307 4,347 4,386 4,424 4,463
177 cm 4,124 4,166 4,207 4,248 4,288 4,328 4,368 4,407 4,446 4,484
178 cm 4,144 4,186 4,228 4,269 4,309 4,349 4,389 4,429 4,468 4,506
381
kg 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59
179 cm 4,164 4,206 4,248 4,289 4,330 4,371 4,410 4,450 4,489 4,528
180 cm 4,184 4,227 4,269 4,310 4,351 4,392 4,432 4,471 4,511 4,550
181 cm 4,205 4,247 4,289 4,331 4,372 4,413 4,453 4,493 4,532 4,571
182 cm 4,225 4,267 4,310 4,351 4,393 4,433 4,474 4,514 4,554 4,593
183 cm 4,245 4,288 4,330 4,372 4,413 4,454 4,495 4,535 4,575 4,614
184 cm 4,265 4,308 4,350 4,393 4,434 4,475 4,516 4,556 4,596 4,636
185 cm 4,285 4,328 4,371 4,413 4,455 4,496 4,537 4,578 4,618 4,657
186 cm 4,305 4,348 4,391 4,434 4,476 4,517 4,558 4,599 4,639 4,679
187 cm 4,325 4,368 4,412 4,454 4,496 4,538 4,579 4,620 4,660 4,700
188 cm 4,345 4,389 4,432 4,475 4,517 4,559 4,600 4,641 4,682 4,722
189 cm 4,365 4,409 4,452 4,495 4,537 4,579 4,621 4,662 4,703 4,743
190 cm 4,385 4,429 4,472 4,515 4,558 4,600 4,642 4,683 4,724 4,764
191 cm 4,405 4,449 4,492 4,536 4,578 4,621 4,663 4,704 4,745 4,786
192 cm 4,424 4,469 4,513 4,556 4,599 4,641 4,683 4,725 4,766 4,807
193 cm 4,444 4,489 4,533 4,576 4,619 4,662 4,704 4,746 4,787 4,828
194 cm 4,464 4,509 4,553 4,597 4,640 4,683 4,725 4,767 4,808 4,849
195 cm 4,484 4,529 4,573 4,617 4,660 4,703 4,746 4,788 4,829 4,871
196 cm 4,503 4,549 4,593 4,637 4,681 4,724 4,766 4,809 4,850 4,892
197 cm 4,523 4,568 4,613 4,657 4,701 4,744 4,787 4,829 4,871 4,913
198 cm 4,543 4,588 4,633 4,677 4,721 4,765 4,808 4,850 4,892 4,934
199 cm 4,562 4,608 4,653 4,698 4,742 4,785 4,828 4,871 4,913 4,955
200 cm 4,582 4,628 4,673 4,718 4,762 4,806 4,849 4,892 4,934 4,976
382
kg 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
160 cm 4,145 4,180 4,215 4,249 4,283 4,317 4,350 4,384 4,417 4,449
161 cm 4,168 4,203 4,238 4,272 4,306 4,340 4,374 4,407 4,440 4,473
162 cm 4,190 4,225 4,260 4,295 4,329 4,363 4,397 4,431 4,464 4,497
163 cm 4,212 4,248 4,283 4,318 4,352 4,387 4,421 4,454 4,488 4,521
164 cm 4,235 4,270 4,306 4,341 4,375 4,410 4,444 4,478 4,511 4,544
165 cm 4,257 4,293 4,328 4,364 4,398 4,433 4,467 4,501 4,535 4,568
166 cm 4,279 4,315 4,351 4,386 4,421 4,456 4,490 4,525 4,558 4,592
167 cm 4,302 4,338 4,374 4,409 4,444 4,479 4,514 4,548 4,582 4,615
168 cm 4,324 4,360 4,396 4,432 4,467 4,502 4,537 4,571 4,605 4,639
169 cm 4,346 4,383 4,419 4,454 4,490 4,525 4,560 4,594 4,629 4,663
170 cm 4,368 4,405 4,441 4,477 4,513 4,548 4,583 4,618 4,652 4,686
171 cm 4,390 4,427 4,464 4,500 4,535 4,571 4,606 4,641 4,675 4,710
172 cm 4,413 4,449 4,486 4,522 4,558 4,594 4,629 4,664 4,699 4,733
173 cm 4,435 4,472 4,508 4,545 4,581 4,617 4,652 4,687 4,722 4,756
174 cm 4,457 4,494 4,531 4,567 4,603 4,639 4,675 4,710 4,745 4,780
175 cm 4,479 4,516 4,553 4,590 4,626 4,662 4,698 4,733 4,768 4,803
176 cm 4,501 4,538 4,575 4,612 4,649 4,685 4,721 4,756 4,792 4,826
177 cm 4,522 4,560 4,598 4,635 4,671 4,708 4,744 4,779 4,815 4,850
178 cm 4,544 4,582 4,620 4,657 4,694 4,730 4,766 4,802 4,838 4,873
383
kg 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69
179 cm 4,566 4,604 4,642 4,679 4,716 4,753 4,789 4,825 4,861 4,896
180 cm 4,588 4,626 4,664 4,701 4,739 4,775 4,812 4,848 4,884 4,919
181 cm 4,610 4,648 4,686 4,724 4,761 4,798 4,835 4,871 4,907 4,942
182 cm 4,632 4,670 4,708 4,746 4,783 4,820 4,857 4,894 4,930 4,966
183 cm 4,653 4,692 4,730 4,768 4,806 4,843 4,880 4,916 4,953 4,989
184 cm 4,675 4,714 4,752 4,790 4,828 4,865 4,902 4,939 4,975 5,012
185 cm 4,697 4,736 4,774 4,812 4,850 4,888 4,925 4,962 4,998 5,035
186 cm 4,718 4,757 4,796 4,834 4,872 4,910 4,947 4,984 5,021 5,058
187 cm 4,740 4,779 4,818 4,856 4,895 4,932 4,970 5,007 5,044 5,080
188 cm 4,761 4,801 4,840 4,878 4,917 4,955 4,992 5,030 5,067 5,103
189 cm 4,783 4,822 4,862 4,900 4,939 4,977 5,015 5,052 5,089 5,126
190 cm 4,804 4,844 4,883 4,922 4,961 4,999 5,037 5,075 5,112 5,149
191 cm 4,826 4,866 4,905 4,944 4,983 5,021 5,060 5,097 5,135 5,172
192 cm 4,847 4,887 4,927 4,966 5,005 5,044 5,082 5,120 5,157 5,194
193 cm 4,869 4,909 4,949 4,988 5,027 5,066 5,104 5,142 5,180 5,217
194 cm 4,890 4,930 4,970 5,010 5,049 5,088 5,126 5,165 5,202 5,240
195 cm 4,911 4,952 4,992 5,032 5,071 5,110 5,149 5,187 5,225 5,263
196 cm 4,933 4,973 5,014 5,053 5,093 5,132 5,171 5,209 5,247 5,285
197 cm 4,954 4,995 5,035 5,075 5,115 5,154 5,193 5,232 5,270 5,308
198 cm 4,975 5,016 5,057 5,097 5,137 5,176 5,215 5,254 5,292 5,330
199 cm 4,997 5,038 5,078 5,119 5,158 5,198 5,237 5,276 5,315 5,353
200 cm 5,018 5,059 5,100 5,140 5,180 5,220 5,259 5,298 5,337 5,375
384
kg 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79
160 cm 4,482 4,514 4,545 4,577 4,608 4,639 4,670 4,701 4,731 4,761
161 cm 4,506 4,538 4,570 4,601 4,633 4,664 4,695 4,726 4,756 4,787
162 cm 4,530 4,562 4,594 4,626 4,657 4,689 4,720 4,751 4,782 4,812
163 cm 4,553 4,586 4,618 4,650 4,682 4,713 4,745 4,776 4,807 4,837
164 cm 4,577 4,610 4,642 4,675 4,706 4,738 4,770 4,801 4,832 4,862
165 cm 4,601 4,634 4,667 4,699 4,731 4,763 4,794 4,826 4,857 4,887
166 cm 4,625 4,658 4,691 4,723 4,755 4,787 4,819 4,850 4,882 4,913
167 cm 4,649 4,682 4,715 4,747 4,780 4,812 4,844 4,875 4,906 4,938
168 cm 4,673 4,706 4,739 4,772 4,804 4,836 4,868 4,900 4,931 4,963
169 cm 4,696 4,730 4,763 4,796 4,828 4,861 4,893 4,925 4,956 4,988
170 cm 4,720 4,753 4,787 4,820 4,852 4,885 4,917 4,949 4,981 5,012
171 cm 4,744 4,777 4,811 4,844 4,877 4,909 4,942 4,974 5,006 5,037
172 cm 4,767 4,801 4,835 4,868 4,901 4,934 4,966 4,998 5,030 5,062
173 cm 4,791 4,825 4,858 4,892 4,925 4,958 4,990 5,023 5,055 5,087
174 cm 4,814 4,848 4,882 4,916 4,949 4,982 5,015 5,047 5,080 5,112
175 cm 4,838 4,872 4,906 4,940 4,973 5,006 5,039 5,072 5,104 5,136
176 cm 4,861 4,896 4,930 4,963 4,997 5,030 5,063 5,096 5,129 5,161
177 cm 4,885 4,919 4,953 4,987 5,021 5,054 5,088 5,121 5,153 5,186
178 cm 4,908 4,943 4,977 5,011 5,045 5,079 5,112 5,145 5,178 5,210
385
kg 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79
179 cm 4,931 4,966 5,001 5,035 5,069 5,103 5,136 5,169 5,202 5,235
180 cm 4,955 4,990 5,024 5,059 5,093 5,127 5,160 5,193 5,227 5,259
181 cm 4,978 5,013 5,048 5,082 5,116 5,150 5,184 5,218 5,251 5,284
182 cm 5,001 5,036 5,071 5,106 5,140 5,174 5,208 5,242 5,275 5,308
183 cm 5,024 5,060 5,095 5,129 5,164 5,198 5,232 5,266 5,300 5,333
184 cm 5,047 5,083 5,118 5,153 5,188 5,222 5,256 5,290 5,324 5,357
185 cm 5,071 5,106 5,142 5,177 5,211 5,246 5,280 5,314 5,348 5,381
186 cm 5,094 5,129 5,165 5,200 5,235 5,270 5,304 5,338 5,372 5,406
187 cm 5,117 5,153 5,188 5,224 5,259 5,293 5,328 5,362 5,396 5,430
188 cm 5,140 5,176 5,212 5,247 5,282 5,317 5,352 5,386 5,420 5,454
189 cm 5,163 5,199 5,235 5,270 5,306 5,341 5,376 5,410 5,444 5,478
190 cm 5,186 5,222 5,258 5,294 5,329 5,364 5,399 5,434 5,468 5,503
191 cm 5,209 5,245 5,281 5,317 5,353 5,388 5,423 5,458 5,492 5,527
192 cm 5,231 5,268 5,304 5,340 5,376 5,412 5,447 5,482 5,516 5,551
193 cm 5,254 5,291 5,327 5,364 5,400 5,435 5,470 5,506 5,540 5,575
194 cm 5,277 5,314 5,351 5,387 5,423 5,459 5,494 5,529 5,564 5,599
195 cm 5,300 5,337 5,374 5,410 5,446 5,482 5,518 5,553 5,588 5,623
196 cm 5,323 5,360 5,397 5,433 5,470 5,506 5,541 5,577 5,612 5,647
197 cm 5,345 5,383 5,420 5,456 5,493 5,529 5,565 5,600 5,636 5,671
198 cm 5,368 5,405 5,443 5,479 5,516 5,552 5,588 5,624 5,660 5,695
199 cm 5,391 5,428 5,466 5,503 5,539 5,576 5,612 5,648 5,683 5,719
200 cm 5,413 5,451 5,488 5,526 5,562 5,599 5,635 5,671 5,707 5,742
386
kg 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
160 cm 4,791 4,821 4,851 4,880 4,909 4,938 4,967 4,995 5,024 5,052
161 cm 4,817 4,847 4,876 4,906 4,935 4,964 4,993 5,022 5,050 5,078
162 cm 4,842 4,872 4,902 4,932 4,961 4,990 5,019 5,048 5,076 5,105
163 cm 4,868 4,898 4,928 4,957 4,987 5,016 5,045 5,074 5,103 5,131
164 cm 4,893 4,923 4,953 4,983 5,013 5,042 5,071 5,100 5,129 5,158
165 cm 4,918 4,948 4,979 5,009 5,038 5,068 5,097 5,127 5,155 5,184
166 cm 4,943 4,974 5,004 5,034 5,064 5,094 5,123 5,153 5,182 5,211
167 cm 4,968 4,999 5,030 5,060 5,090 5,120 5,149 5,179 5,208 5,237
168 cm 4,994 5,024 5,055 5,085 5,116 5,145 5,175 5,205 5,234 5,263
169 cm 5,019 5,050 5,080 5,111 5,141 5,171 5,201 5,231 5,260 5,290
170 cm 5,044 5,075 5,106 5,136 5,167 5,197 5,227 5,257 5,286 5,316
171 cm 5,069 5,100 5,131 5,162 5,192 5,223 5,253 5,283 5,312 5,342
172 cm 5,094 5,125 5,156 5,187 5,218 5,248 5,278 5,309 5,338 5,368
173 cm 5,119 5,150 5,181 5,212 5,243 5,274 5,304 5,334 5,364 5,394
174 cm 5,144 5,175 5,206 5,238 5,269 5,299 5,330 5,360 5,390 5,420
175 cm 5,168 5,200 5,232 5,263 5,294 5,325 5,355 5,386 5,416 5,446
176 cm 5,193 5,225 5,257 5,288 5,319 5,350 5,381 5,412 5,442 5,472
177 cm 5,218 5,250 5,282 5,313 5,345 5,376 5,407 5,437 5,468 5,498
178 cm 5,243 5,275 5,307 5,338 5,370 5,401 5,432 5,463 5,494 5,524
387
kg 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
179 cm 5,267 5,300 5,332 5,363 5,395 5,426 5,458 5,488 5,519 5,550
180 cm 5,292 5,324 5,357 5,388 5,420 5,452 5,483 5,514 5,545 5,576
181 cm 5,317 5,349 5,381 5,414 5,445 5,477 5,508 5,540 5,571 5,601
182 cm 5,341 5,374 5,406 5,438 5,470 5,502 5,534 5,565 5,596 5,627
183 cm 5,366 5,399 5,431 5,463 5,495 5,527 5,559 5,590 5,622 5,653
184 cm 5,390 5,423 5,456 5,488 5,521 5,553 5,584 5,616 5,647 5,678
185 cm 5,415 5,448 5,481 5,513 5,545 5,578 5,610 5,641 5,673 5,704
186 cm 5,439 5,472 5,505 5,538 5,570 5,603 5,635 5,667 5,698 5,730
187 cm 5,464 5,497 5,530 5,563 5,595 5,628 5,660 5,692 5,724 5,755
188 cm 5,488 5,521 5,555 5,588 5,620 5,653 5,685 5,717 5,749 5,781
189 cm 5,512 5,546 5,579 5,612 5,645 5,678 5,710 5,742 5,774 5,806
190 cm 5,537 5,570 5,604 5,637 5,670 5,703 5,735 5,767 5,800 5,831
191 cm 5,561 5,595 5,628 5,662 5,695 5,728 5,760 5,793 5,825 5,857
192 cm 5,585 5,619 5,653 5,686 5,719 5,752 5,785 5,818 5,850 5,882
193 cm 5,609 5,643 5,677 5,711 5,744 5,777 5,810 5,843 5,875 5,907
194 cm 5,633 5,668 5,702 5,735 5,769 5,802 5,835 5,868 5,900 5,933
195 cm 5,658 5,692 5,726 5,760 5,793 5,827 5,860 5,893 5,925 5,958
196 cm 5,682 5,716 5,750 5,784 5,818 5,851 5,885 5,918 5,951 5,983
197 cm 5,706 5,740 5,775 5,809 5,842 5,876 5,909 5,943 5,976 6,008
198 cm 5,730 5,764 5,799 5,833 5,867 5,901 5,934 5,968 6,001 6,033
199 cm 5,754 5,788 5,823 5,857 5,891 5,925 5,959 5,992 6,026 6,059
200 cm 5,778 5,813 5,847 5,882 5,916 5,950 5,984 6,017 6,051 6,084
388
kg 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
160 cm 5,080 5,107 5,135 5,163 5,190 5,217 5,244 5,271 5,297 5,324
161 cm 5,106 5,134 5,162 5,190 5,217 5,244 5,271 5,298 5,325 5,352
162 cm 5,133 5,161 5,189 5,217 5,244 5,272 5,299 5,326 5,353 5,379
163 cm 5,160 5,188 5,216 5,244 5,271 5,299 5,326 5,353 5,380 5,407
164 cm 5,186 5,215 5,243 5,271 5,298 5,326 5,353 5,381 5,408 5,435
165 cm 5,213 5,241 5,270 5,298 5,325 5,353 5,381 5,408 5,435 5,462
166 cm 5,239 5,268 5,296 5,324 5,353 5,380 5,408 5,436 5,463 5,490
167 cm 5,266 5,295 5,323 5,351 5,379 5,407 5,435 5,463 5,490 5,518
168 cm 5,292 5,321 5,350 5,378 5,406 5,434 5,462 5,490 5,518 5,545
169 cm 5,319 5,348 5,376 5,405 5,433 5,461 5,489 5,517 5,545 5,573
170 cm 5,345 5,374 5,403 5,432 5,460 5,488 5,517 5,545 5,572 5,600
171 cm 5,371 5,400 5,429 5,458 5,487 5,515 5,544 5,572 5,600 5,627
172 cm 5,398 5,427 5,456 5,485 5,514 5,542 5,571 5,599 5,627 5,655
173 cm 5,424 5,453 5,482 5,511 5,540 5,569 5,597 5,626 5,654 5,682
174 cm 5,450 5,479 5,509 5,538 5,567 5,596 5,624 5,653 5,681 5,709
175 cm 5,476 5,506 5,535 5,564 5,594 5,622 5,651 5,680 5,708 5,736
176 cm 5,502 5,532 5,561 5,591 5,620 5,649 5,678 5,707 5,735 5,764
177 cm 5,528 5,558 5,588 5,617 5,647 5,676 5,705 5,734 5,762 5,791
178 cm 5,554 5,584 5,614 5,644 5,673 5,702 5,732 5,760 5,789 5,818
389
kg 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
179 cm 5,580 5,610 5,640 5,670 5,700 5,729 5,758 5,787 5,816 5,845
180 cm 5,606 5,636 5,666 5,696 5,726 5,756 5,785 5,814 5,843 5,872
181 cm 5,632 5,662 5,693 5,723 5,752 5,782 5,811 5,841 5,870 5,899
182 cm 5,658 5,688 5,719 5,749 5,779 5,808 5,838 5,867 5,897 5,926
183 cm 5,684 5,714 5,745 5,775 5,805 5,835 5,865 5,894 5,923 5,953
184 cm 5,709 5,740 5,771 5,801 5,831 5,861 5,891 5,921 5,950 5,979
185 cm 5,735 5,766 5,797 5,827 5,857 5,888 5,917 5,947 5,977 6,006
186 cm 5,761 5,792 5,823 5,853 5,884 5,914 5,944 5,974 6,003 6,033
187 cm 5,786 5,818 5,848 5,879 5,910 5,940 5,970 6,000 6,030 6,060
188 cm 5,812 5,843 5,874 5,905 5,936 5,966 5,997 6,027 6,057 6,086
189 cm 5,838 5,869 5,900 5,931 5,962 5,992 6,023 6,053 6,083 6,113
190 cm 5,863 5,895 5,926 5,957 5,988 6,019 6,049 6,079 6,110 6,140
191 cm 5,889 5,920 5,952 5,983 6,014 6,045 6,075 6,106 6,136 6,166
192 cm 5,914 5,946 5,977 6,009 6,040 6,071 6,101 6,132 6,162 6,193
193 cm 5,940 5,971 6,003 6,034 6,066 6,097 6,128 6,158 6,189 6,219
194 cm 5,965 5,997 6,029 6,060 6,092 6,123 6,154 6,185 6,215 6,246
195 cm 5,990 6,022 6,054 6,086 6,117 6,149 6,180 6,211 6,241 6,272
196 cm 6,016 6,048 6,080 6,112 6,143 6,175 6,206 6,237 6,268 6,298
197 cm 6,041 6,073 6,105 6,137 6,169 6,200 6,232 6,263 6,294 6,325
198 cm 6,066 6,099 6,131 6,163 6,195 6,226 6,258 6,289 6,320 6,351
199 cm 6,091 6,124 6,156 6,188 6,220 6,252 6,284 6,315 6,346 6,377
200 cm 6,117 6,149 6,182 6,214 6,246 6,278 6,310 6,341 6,372 6,403
390
kg 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109
160 cm 5,350 5,376 5,402 5,428 5,454 5,479 5,505 5,530 5,555 5,580
161 cm 5,378 5,404 5,430 5,456 5,482 5,508 5,534 5,559 5,584 5,609
162 cm 5,406 5,432 5,459 5,485 5,511 5,536 5,562 5,588 5,613 5,638
163 cm 5,434 5,460 5,487 5,513 5,539 5,565 5,591 5,616 5,642 5,667
164 cm 5,462 5,488 5,515 5,541 5,567 5,593 5,619 5,645 5,671 5,696
165 cm 5,489 5,516 5,543 5,569 5,596 5,622 5,648 5,674 5,699 5,725
166 cm 5,517 5,544 5,571 5,597 5,624 5,650 5,676 5,702 5,728 5,754
167 cm 5,545 5,572 5,599 5,625 5,652 5,678 5,704 5,731 5,757 5,782
168 cm 5,572 5,600 5,626 5,653 5,680 5,706 5,733 5,759 5,785 5,811
169 cm 5,600 5,627 5,654 5,681 5,708 5,735 5,761 5,787 5,814 5,840
170 cm 5,628 5,655 5,682 5,709 5,736 5,763 5,789 5,816 5,842 5,868
171 cm 5,655 5,682 5,710 5,737 5,764 5,791 5,818 5,844 5,870 5,897
172 cm 5,682 5,710 5,737 5,765 5,792 5,819 5,846 5,872 5,899 5,925
173 cm 5,710 5,738 5,765 5,793 5,820 5,847 5,874 5,901 5,927 5,954
174 cm 5,737 5,765 5,793 5,820 5,848 5,875 5,902 5,929 5,955 5,982
175 cm 5,765 5,793 5,820 5,848 5,875 5,903 5,930 5,957 5,984 6,010
176 cm 5,792 5,820 5,848 5,876 5,903 5,930 5,958 5,985 6,012 6,039
177 cm 5,819 5,847 5,875 5,903 5,931 5,958 5,986 6,013 6,040 6,067
178 cm 5,846 5,875 5,903 5,931 5,958 5,986 6,014 6,041 6,068 6,095
391
kg 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109
179 cm 5,873 5,902 5,930 5,958 5,986 6,014 6,041 6,069 6,096 6,123
180 cm 5,901 5,929 5,957 5,986 6,014 6,041 6,069 6,097 6,124 6,151
181 cm 5,928 5,956 5,985 6,013 6,041 6,069 6,097 6,125 6,152 6,180
182 cm 5,955 5,983 6,012 6,040 6,069 6,097 6,125 6,152 6,180 6,208
183 cm 5,982 6,010 6,039 6,068 6,096 6,124 6,152 6,180 6,208 6,236
184 cm 6,009 6,038 6,066 6,095 6,123 6,152 6,180 6,208 6,236 6,263
185 cm 6,035 6,065 6,093 6,122 6,151 6,179 6,207 6,236 6,264 6,291
186 cm 6,062 6,092 6,121 6,149 6,178 6,207 6,235 6,263 6,291 6,319
187 cm 6,089 6,118 6,148 6,177 6,205 6,234 6,263 6,291 6,319 6,347
188 cm 6,116 6,145 6,175 6,204 6,233 6,261 6,290 6,318 6,347 6,375
189 cm 6,143 6,172 6,202 6,231 6,260 6,289 6,317 6,346 6,374 6,403
190 cm 6,169 6,199 6,229 6,258 6,287 6,316 6,345 6,373 6,402 6,430
191 cm 6,196 6,226 6,255 6,285 6,314 6,343 6,372 6,401 6,430 6,458
192 cm 6,223 6,253 6,282 6,312 6,341 6,370 6,399 6,428 6,457 6,486
193 cm 6,249 6,279 6,309 6,339 6,368 6,398 6,427 6,456 6,485 6,513
194 cm 6,276 6,306 6,336 6,366 6,395 6,425 6,454 6,483 6,512 6,541
195 cm 6,302 6,333 6,363 6,392 6,422 6,452 6,481 6,510 6,539 6,568
196 cm 6,329 6,359 6,389 6,419 6,449 6,479 6,508 6,538 6,567 6,596
197 cm 6,355 6,386 6,416 6,446 6,476 6,506 6,535 6,565 6,594 6,623
198 cm 6,382 6,412 6,443 6,473 6,503 6,533 6,562 6,592 6,621 6,651
199 cm 6,408 6,439 6,469 6,500 6,530 6,560 6,589 6,619 6,649 6,678
200 cm 6,434 6,465 6,496 6,526 6,556 6,587 6,616 6,646 6,676 6,705
392
kg 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120
160 cm 5,605 5,630 5,655 5,679 5,704 5,728 5,752 5,776 5,800 5,824 5,848
161 cm 5,634 5,659 5,684 5,709 5,733 5,758 5,782 5,806 5,830 5,854 5,878
162 cm 5,664 5,689 5,713 5,738 5,763 5,787 5,812 5,836 5,860 5,884 5,908
163 cm 5,693 5,718 5,743 5,767 5,792 5,817 5,841 5,866 5,890 5,914 5,938
164 cm 5,721 5,747 5,772 5,797 5,822 5,846 5,871 5,895 5,920 5,944 5,968
165 cm 5,750 5,776 5,801 5,826 5,851 5,876 5,901 5,925 5,950 5,974 5,998
166 cm 5,779 5,805 5,830 5,855 5,880 5,905 5,930 5,955 5,979 6,004 6,028
167 cm 5,808 5,834 5,859 5,884 5,910 5,935 5,960 5,984 6,009 6,034 6,058
168 cm 5,837 5,863 5,888 5,913 5,939 5,964 5,989 6,014 6,039 6,063 6,088
169 cm 5,866 5,891 5,917 5,943 5,968 5,993 6,018 6,043 6,068 6,093 6,118
170 cm 5,894 5,920 5,946 5,972 5,997 6,022 6,048 6,073 6,098 6,123 6,147
171 cm 5,923 5,949 5,975 6,001 6,026 6,052 6,077 6,102 6,127 6,152 6,177
172 cm 5,951 5,978 6,004 6,029 6,055 6,081 6,106 6,132 6,157 6,182 6,207
173 cm 5,980 6,006 6,032 6,058 6,084 6,110 6,135 6,161 6,186 6,211 6,236
174 cm 6,009 6,035 6,061 6,087 6,113 6,139 6,165 6,190 6,215 6,241 6,266
175 cm 6,037 6,063 6,090 6,116 6,142 6,168 6,194 6,219 6,245 6,270 6,295
176 cm 6,065 6,092 6,118 6,145 6,171 6,197 6,223 6,248 6,274 6,300 6,325
177 cm 6,094 6,120 6,147 6,173 6,200 6,226 6,252 6,278 6,303 6,329 6,354
178 cm 6,122 6,149 6,175 6,202 6,228 6,255 6,281 6,307 6,332 6,358 6,384
393
kg 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120
179 cm 6,150 6,177 6,204 6,231 6,257 6,283 6,310 6,336 6,362 6,387 6,413
180 cm 6,179 6,206 6,232 6,259 6,286 6,312 6,338 6,365 6,391 6,417 6,442
181 cm 6,207 6,234 6,261 6,288 6,314 6,341 6,367 6,394 6,420 6,446 6,472
182 cm 6,235 6,262 6,289 6,316 6,343 6,370 6,396 6,422 6,449 6,475 6,501
183 cm 6,263 6,290 6,317 6,345 6,371 6,398 6,425 6,451 6,478 6,504 6,530
184 cm 6,291 6,318 6,346 6,373 6,400 6,427 6,454 6,480 6,507 6,533 6,559
185 cm 6,319 6,347 6,374 6,401 6,428 6,455 6,482 6,509 6,535 6,562 6,588
186 cm 6,347 6,375 6,402 6,430 6,457 6,484 6,511 6,538 6,564 6,591 6,617
187 cm 6,375 6,403 6,430 6,458 6,485 6,512 6,539 6,566 6,593 6,620 6,646
188 cm 6,403 6,431 6,458 6,486 6,513 6,541 6,568 6,595 6,622 6,649 6,675
189 cm 6,431 6,459 6,487 6,514 6,542 6,569 6,596 6,624 6,650 6,677 6,704
190 cm 6,459 6,487 6,515 6,542 6,570 6,597 6,625 6,652 6,679 6,706 6,733
191 cm 6,486 6,515 6,543 6,570 6,598 6,626 6,653 6,681 6,708 6,735 6,762
192 cm 6,514 6,542 6,570 6,598 6,626 6,654 6,682 6,709 6,736 6,763 6,791
193 cm 6,542 6,570 6,598 6,626 6,654 6,682 6,710 6,737 6,765 6,792 6,819
194 cm 6,569 6,598 6,626 6,654 6,683 6,710 6,738 6,766 6,793 6,821 6,848
195 cm 6,597 6,626 6,654 6,682 6,711 6,739 6,766 6,794 6,822 6,849 6,877
196 cm 6,625 6,653 6,682 6,710 6,739 6,767 6,795 6,823 6,850 6,878 6,905
197 cm 6,652 6,681 6,710 6,738 6,767 6,795 6,823 6,851 6,879 6,906 6,934
198 cm 6,680 6,709 6,737 6,766 6,794 6,823 6,851 6,879 6,907 6,935 6,962
199 cm 6,707 6,736 6,765 6,794 6,822 6,851 6,879 6,907 6,935 6,963 6,991
200 cm 6,735 6,764 6,793 6,821 6,850 6,879 6,907 6,935 6,963 6,991 7,019
394
List of definitions
Additive solution Solution specifically formulated to maintain beneficial

properties of cellular components during storage.
Adverse event Any untoward occurrence associated with the
collecting, testing, processing, storage and distribution
of blood and blood components that might lead to an
adverse reaction in blood recipients or blood donors.
Adverse reaction Unintended response in donor or in patient associated
with the collection or transfusion of blood or blood
components.
Allogeneic donation Blood and blood components collected from an
individual and intended for transfusion to another
individual, for use in medical devices or as source
material for manufacturing into medicinal products.
Antibody Technique routinely used to measure the level
quantitation of antibody, i.e. anti-RhD (or anti-c) antibody in
maternal sera.
Antiglobulin testing The direct antiglobulin test (direct Coombs’ test) and
technique the indirect antiglobulin test. It detects antibody or
complement bound to red cells in vivo.
Anti-IgA antibodies IgG or occasionally IgM anti-IgA produced by a IgA-
deficient patient. Severe anaphylactoid transfusion
reactions can occur in such patients.
Apheresis Method of obtaining one or more blood components
by machine processing of whole blood in which the
residual components of the blood are returned to the
donor during or at the end of the process.
395
Audit programme A systematic and independent examination to

determine whether quality activities and related results
comply with planned arrangements and whether these
arrangements are implemented effectively and are
suitable to achieve objectives.
Autologous Blood and blood components collected from an
donation individual, intended solely for subsequent autologous
transfusion to the individual.
Autologous donors Individuals may donate blood for their own use if the
need for blood can be anticipated and a donation plan
developed.
Autologous Transfusion in which the donor and the recipient are
transfusion the same person and in which predeposited blood and
blood components are used.
Automated system A broad range of systems including, but not limited
to, automated manufacturing equipment, automated
laboratory equipment, process control, manufacturing
execution, laboratory information management,
manufacturing resource planning, and document
management systems. The automated system consists
of the hardware, software and network components,
together with the controlled functions and associated
documentation. Automated systems are sometimes
referred to as computerized systems.
Blood Whole Blood collected from a single donor
and processed either for transfusion or further
manufacturing.
Blood component Therapeutic components of blood (red cells,
white cells, platelets, plasma) that can be prepared
by centrifugation, filtration, and freezing using
conventional blood bank methodology.
Blood component Procedure which enables a blood component to be
release released from a quarantine status by the use of systems
and procedures to ensure that the finished product
meets its release specifications.
396
Blood establishment Any structure or body that is responsible for any

aspect of the collection and testing of human blood or
blood components, whatever their intended purpose,
and their processing, storage and distribution when
intended for transfusion. This does not include
hospital blood banks.
Blood product Any therapeutic product derived from human blood
or plasma.
Buffy coat Blood component prepared by centrifugation of a
unit of whole blood which contains a considerable
proportion of the leucocytes and platelets.
Buoyant density Technique for separation based on density differences
centrifugation between cells.
Calibration The set of operations, which establish, under specified
conditions, the relationship between values indicated
by a measuring instrument or measuring system, or
values represented by a material measure and the
corresponding known values of a reference standard.
Cell free plasma Plasma obtained by cross-flow filtration, when blood
flows along a membrane with a pore size allowing free
passage of plasma proteins but not of blood cells.
Cell separator An instrument for apheresis.
Change control A formal system by which qualified representatives
of appropriate disciplines review proposed or actual
changes that might affect the validated status of
facilities, systems, equipment or processes. The intent
is to determine the need for action that would ensure
and document that the system is maintained in a
validated state.
Counter current Technique where cells are subjected simultaneously
centrifugation to a liquid flow and a centrifugal force in opposite
(elutriation) directions tend to be separated according to their size.
CPD-Adenine Citrate-Phosphate-Dextrose with Adenine is a
(CPDA) preservative-anticoagulant solution used for whole
blood collection.
397
Cryoprecipitate Plasma component prepared from fresh frozen

plasma by freeze-thaw precipitation of proteins and
subsequent concentration and resuspension of the
precipitated proteins in a small volume of the plasma.
Cryoprecipitate- A component prepared from plasma by removal of
depleted plasma cryoprecipitate.
Cryopreservation Prolongation of the storage life of blood components
by freezing.
Cryopreserved A component prepared by the freezing of platelets and
platelets stored.
Cytapheresis An apheresis procedure intended for the collection
of a cellular component of blood, such as red cells,
leucocytes or platelets.
Depth and surface Technique of filtration using a filter bed of fibres:
filtration owing to the specific properties of platelets and
granulocytes as well as the low flexibility of
lymphocytes, these cells are more easily trapped in
such a filter than are red cells.
Distribution Act of delivery of blood and blood components to
other blood establishments, hospital blood banks and
manufacturers of blood and plasma derived products.
It does not include the issuing of blood or blood
components for transfusion.
Donor A person in normal health with a good medical
history who voluntarily gives blood or components for
therapeutic use.
Donor Deferral Suspension of the eligibility of an individual to donate
blood or blood components, such suspension being
either permanent or temporary.
Febrile transfusion A febrile response associated with the administration
reactions of blood or blood components.
First time donor Someone who has never donated either blood or
component.
398
Fresh frozen plasma A component prepared from whole blood or from

plasma collected by apheresis frozen to a temperature
that will maintain the labile coagulation factors in a
functional state.
Glycerol Propanetriol, used as a cell-cryoprotective agent for
the storage of red cells in the frozen state.
Granulocytes A component consisting primarily of granulocytes
suspended in plasma, obtained by single-donor
apheresis.
Haematocrit Result obtained by the measurement of the volume of
red cells in blood, after centrifugation, expressed as a
percentage or as a ratio in the SI system.
Haematopoietic HPC are primitive pluripotent cells capable of self
progenitor cells renewal as well as differentiation and maturation
into all haematopoietic lineages. They are found in
bone marrow (bone marrow cells (BMC)), in the
mononuclear cells of circulating blood (peripheral
blood stem cells (PBSC)) and in umbilical cord blood
(umbilical stem cells (USC)).
Haemovigilance Organised surveillance procedures related to serious
adverse or unexpected events or reactions in donors
or recipients, and the epidemiological follow up of
donors.
Hospital blood bank Hospital unit which stores and distributes and may
perform compatibility tests on blood and blood
components exclusively for use within the hospital
facilities including hospital based transfusion
activities.
Inspection Formal and objective control according to adopted
standards to assess compliance with a given directive
and other relevant legislation and to identify problems.
Leucocyte depletion The removal of leucocytes from blood.
Qualification As part of validation means the action of verifying that
any personnel, premises, equipment or material works
correctly and delivers expected results.
399
Pathogen Reduction Are procedures that irreversibly impede proliferation

Technologies (PRT) of pathogens.
Peripheral blood Primitive pluripotent cells capable of self renewal
stem cells (PBSC) as well as differentiation and maturation into
all haematopoietic lineages, and found in the
mononuclear cells of circulating blood, (see
haematopoietic progenitor cells).
Plasma The liquid portion of anticoagulated blood remaining
after separation from the cellular components.
Platelets, recovered A component derived from fresh whole blood which
contains the majority of the original platelet content.
Red cells (apheresis) Red cells from an apheresis red cell donation.
Red cells A component obtained from a single whole blood
donation by removal of part of the plasma, without
further processing.
Red cells, buffy coat A component prepared from a single whole blood
removed donation by the separation of part of the plasma and
(Red cells: BCR) the buffy-coat layer from the red cells.
Red cells, Red cells of a single whole blood donation with
cryopreserved most of the plasma removed, deep frozen using a
cryoprotectant solution.
Red cells, in additive A component prepared from a single whole blood
solution donation by separation of part of the plasma with
(Red cells: AS) subsequent suspension of the red cells in appropriate
nutrient solution.
Red cells, in additive A component prepared from a single whole blood
solution, buffy coat donation by separation of part of the plasma and
removed buffy-coat, and with subsequent resuspension of the
(Red cells: AS-BCR) red cells in an appropriate nutrient solution.
Red cells, A component obtained by removing the majority of
leucocyte-depleted leucocytes from red cells.
Regular donor Someone who routinely donates their blood or plasma
(i.e. within the last two years), in accordance with
minimum time intervals, in the same donation centre.
400
Repeat donor Someone who has donated before but not within the
last two years in the same donation centre.
RhD Immunoglobulin specific for RhD antigen is given
Immunoglobulin routinely to RhD-negative mothers bearing RhD-
positive infants to protect them from red cell exposure
during pregnancy and delivery, and so prevent
alloimmunisation.
Risk assessment Method to assess and characterise the critical
parameters in the functionality of and equipment,
system or process.
Serious adverse Any untoward occurrence associated with the
event collecting, testing, processing, storage and distribution
of blood and blood components that might lead to
death or life-threatening, disabling or incapacitating
conditions for donors or recipients or which results in,
or prolongs, hospitalisation or morbidity.
Serious adverse Unintended response in donor or in recipient
reaction associated with the collection or transfusion of blood
or blood components that is fatal, life-threatening,
disabling, incapacitating, or which results in, or
prolongs hospitalisation or morbidity.
Standard operating Detailed documents:
procedures (SOPs) (1) covering all Good Manufacturing Practice-
compliant activities;
(2) containing specifications where appropriate;
(3) process/procedure based;
(4) modular, and
(5) reflecting current practice.
They must be updated as appropriate, and new
techniques must be evaluated and validated before
being introduced, to ensure conformation with quality
criteria.
Statistical process Method of quality control of a product or a process
control that relies on a system of analysis of an adequate
sample size without the need to measure every
product of the process.
401
Validation Means the establishment of documented and objective

evidence that the pre-defined requirements for a
specific procedure or process can be consistently
fulfilled.
Validation plan A description of the validation activities, responsi-
bilities and procedures. It describes specifically how a
certain validation is to be done.
Washed red cells A component derived from whole blood by centri-
fugation and removal of plasma, with subsequent
washing of the red cells in an isotonic solution.
Whole blood Single unprocessed blood donation.
Xenotransplantation Xenotransplantation is defined as any procedure that
involves the transplantation or infusion into a human
recipient of live animal cells, tissues or organs, or
human body fluids, cells, tissues or organs that have ex
vivo contact with live animal cells, tissues or organs.
402
Abbreviations
Ag Antigen
AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
ALT Alanine Amino Transferase
AS Additive Solution
AS-BCR Additive Solution-Buffy Coat Removed
BCR Buffy Coat Removed
BPAT Batch Pre-Acceptance Testing
BSA Bovine Serum Albumin
BSE Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
CD-P-TS European Committee on Blood Transfusion
CETS Council of Europe Treaty Series (formerly ETS: European
Treaty Series)
CJD Creutzfeldt-Jacob Disease
CMV CytoMegaloVirus
DMSO Dimethylsulfoxide used as a cell-cryoprotective agent for the
storage of platelets and stem cells in the frozen state
DQ Design qualification
EC European Commission
EDQM European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare
ELISA Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
EU European Union
FTA Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
GCSF Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor
GMP Good Manufacturing Practice
403
GTS Ad hoc working group on the guide to the preparation, use and
quality assurance of blood components
GVHD Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Hb Haemoglobin
HBcAb Hepatitis B core Antibody
HBsAg Hepatitis B surface Antigen
HCV Hepatitis C Virus
Hct Haematocrit
HES HydroxyEthyl Starch
HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HLA Human Leucocyte Antigen
HPA Human Platelet Antigen
HPCs Haematopoietic Progenitor Cells
HTLV Human T Leukaemia Virus
IQ Installation qualification
ISBT International Society for Blood Transfusion
IU International Unit
LISS Low Ionic Strength (Salt) Solution
NAT Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques
OQ Operational Qualification
Ph. Eur. European Pharmacopoeia
PQ Performance Qualification
PRP Platelet Rich Plasma
QA Quality Assurance
SAGM Saline Adenine Glucose Mannitol solution
SOPs Standard Operating Procedures
TA Transfusion-Associated
TACO Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload
TPHA Treponema pallidum Haemagglutination Assay
TRALI Transfusion Related Acute Lung Injury
TTP Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
vCJD Variant Creutzfeld Jacob Diseasee
404
Recommendations and resolutions of

the Council of Europe in the field
of blood transfusion
Resolution (78) 29 on harmonisation of legislations of member

states relating to removal, grafting and
transplantation of human substances
Recommendation No. R (79) 5 concerning international exchange and
transportation of human substances
Recommendation No. R (80) 5 on blood products for the treatment of
haemophiliacs
Recommendation No. R (81) 5 concerning antenatal administration of
anti-D immunoglobulin
Recommendation No. R (81) 14 on preventing the transmission of infectious
diseases in the international transfer of
blood, its components and derivatives
Recommendation No. R (83) 8 on preventing the possible transmission
of acquired immune deficiency syndrome
(AIDS) from affected blood donors to
patients receiving blood or blood products
Recommendation No. R (84) 6 on the prevention of the transmission of
malaria by blood transfusion
Recommendation No. R (85) 5 on a model curriculum for the training of
specialists in blood transfusion
Recommendation No. R (85) 12 on the screening of blood donors for the
presence of AIDS markers
Recommendation No. R (86) 6 on guidelines for the preparation, quality
control and use of fresh frozen plasma (FFP)
Recommendation No. R (87) 25 concerning a common european public
health policy to fight the acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
405
Recommendation No. R (88) 4 on the responsibilities of health authorities

in the field of blood transfusion
Recommendation No. R (90) 3 concerning medical research on human
beings
Recommendation No. R (90) 9 on plasma products and european
self-sufficiency
Recommendation No. R (93) 4 concerning clinical trials involving the use
of components and fractionated products
derived from human blood or plasma
Recommendation No. R (95) 14 on the protection of health of donors and
recipients in the area of blood transfusion
Resolution 812 (1983) of the Parliamentary Assembly on acquired
immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
Recommendation No. R (96) 11 on documentation and record-keeping
to guarantee the traceability of blood and
blood products especially in hospital
Recommendation No. R (98) 2 on provision of haematopoietic progenitor
cells
Recommendation No. R (98) 10 on the use of human red blood cells for the
preparation of oxygen-carrying substances
Recommendation Rec (2001) 4 on the prevention of the possible trans-
mission of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob
Disease (vCJD) by blood transfusion
Recommendation Rec (2002)11 on the hospital’s and clinician’s role in the
optimal use of blood and blood products
Recommendation Rec (2003)11 on the introduction of pathogen inacti-
vation procedures for blood components
Recommendation Rec (2004) 8 on autologous cord blood banks
Recommendation Rec (2004) 18 on teaching transfusion medicine to nurses
Resolution Res (2008) 5 on donor responsibility and on limitation to
donation of blood and blood components
N.B. The figures in brackets indicate the year of adoption by the Committee of Ministers
406
List of publications
1976 Production and use of cellular blood components for transfusion

Study Director: B. Bucher with M. Benbunan, H. Heisto,
U. Reesink
1978 Indications for the use of albumin, plasmaprotein solutions and
plasma substitutes
Study Director: J. O’Riordan with M. Aebischer, J. Darnborough
and I. Thoren
1980 Preparation and use of coagulation factors VIII and IX for
transfusion
Study Director: R. Masure with G. Myllyla, I. Temperley and
Stampli
1981 Assessment of the risks of transmitting infectious diseases by
international transfer of blood, its components and derivatives
Study Director: W. Weise with T. Nielsen, P. Skinhot, J.P. Saleun
1982 European Co-operation in the field of blood: miscellany reports
on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the Committee of
Experts on blood transfusion and Immunohaematology 1962–1982
P. Cazal, A. André, P. Lundsgaard-Hansen, W. Weise, R. Butler,
C.P. Engelfriet, and A. Hässig
1983 Essential aspects of tissue typing
B. Bradley and S. Gore
1985 Study on the current position of training programmes for future
specialists in blood transfusion in Council of Europe member
states and in Finland
Study Director: E. Freiesleben with A. André, A. Franco, B. Baysal,
J. Cash.
407
1986 Quality control in blood transfusion services

Study Director: E. Freiesleben, R. Butler, C. Hogman, W. Wagstaff
1987 Renal transplantation: sense and sensitisation
B. Bradley and S. Gore, Martinus Nijhoff Publishers
1988 First European Symposium on quality in blood transfusion
Résumé of lectures (publication of the Health Division of the
Council of Europe)
1989 European Course on Blood transfusion (Athens, March 1988)
Compendium of lecturers (publication of the Health Division of
the Council of Europe)
1990 Blood transfusion: 2nd European Course (Madrid 1990)
Compendium of lecturers (publication of the Health Division of
the Council of Europe)
1992 Impact of the Aids epidemic on health care services and
planning in Europe (publication of the Health Division of the
Council of Europe)
1992 Plasma products and European self-sufficiency: collection,
preparation and use
Study Director: J. Leikola with W. van Aken, C. Hogman, D. Lee,
M. Muglia, H. Schmitt
1993 Blood transfusion in Europe: a “white paper”. Safe and sufficient
blood in Europe by Piet J Hagen
1993 Survey of blood transfusion services of central and eastern
European countries and their co-operation with western
transfusion services
Report by H.T. Heiniger
1993 The collection and use of human blood and plasma in Europe by
Prof. Dr W.G. van Aken
1995 Guide on the Preparation, use and quality assurance in blood
components (appendix to Recommendation No. R (95) 15)
408
1997 Collection and use of blood and plasma in Europe (member States
of the Council of Europe not members of the European Union)
Study 1995 Report by Dr Rejman
1997 Activities of blood banks in relation to bone marrow
transplantations
Study Director: I.M. Francklin; Group members S. Koskimies,
R. Kroczek, M. Reti, L. de Waal, R. Arrieta, F. Carbonell-Uberos
1998 Blood transfusion: half a century of contribution by the Council
of Europe
Report by Prof. Dr B. Genetet
2000 Collection and use of human blood and plasma in the non-
European Union Council of Europe member states in 1997
Report by Dr Rejman
2000 Autologous blood donation and transfusion in Europe – 1997 data
Report by Prof. Politis
2001 Pathogen inactivation of labile blood products
Study Director: Prof. A. Morell
2002 Autologous blood donation and transfusion in Europe – 2000 data
Report by Prof. Politis
2004 Collection, testing and use of blood and blood products in
Europe – 2001 data
Report by Dr van der Poel
409
The use of blood components represents the only therapy available for many seriously ill
16th Edition 2010

patients who suffer from acute or chronic diseases.
To provide all those working in the field of transfusion medicine – from blood services to
P r e p a r a t i o n,
e
Guide to th
hospital departments to regulators – with a compendium of measures designed to ensure the
010
safety, quality and efficacy of blood components, the Council of Europe has developed a guide
as a technical annex to its Recommendation No. R (95) 15 on the preparation, use and quality
y A s s u r a n c e
alit
16 Edition 2
u
assurance of blood components. The Guide contains recommendations on blood collection,
blood components, technical procedures, transfusion practices and quality systems for blood
U s e a n d Q
establishments. It represents the basis for a large number of national regulations, as well as for
o m p o n e n t s
of Blood C
the blood directives of the European Commission.
This is the 16th Edition of the Guide, compiled by leading European experts under the aegis of
the European Committee (Partial Agreement) on Blood Transfusion (CD-P-TS). This Steering
th
t)
l Agreemen
Committee was created in 2007 by the Council of Europe to pursue its activities in the field of
blood transfusion following the transfer of these activities to the European Directorate for the
te e (P a rt ia
ommit D-P-TS)
Quality of Medicines & HealthCare (EDQM).
European C ra n s fu s io n (C
on Blood T
The EDQM is a Directorate of the Council of Europe, an international organisation
Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance of Blood Components

founded in 1949 that covers almost the entire continent of Europe. The Council of
Europe aims to develop common democratic and legal principles based on the European
Convention on Human Rights and other reference texts on the protection of individuals.
ISBN 978-92-871-7022-4 www.edqm.eu

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The use of blood components represents the only therapy available for many seriously ill

16th Edition 2010

Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance of Blood Components

ISBN 978-92-871-7022-4 www.edqm.eu

9 789287 170224 €30

Recommendation No. R (95) 15

European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines & HealthCare

All rights conferred by virtue of the International Copyright Convention

Director of the Publication: Dr S. Keitel

European Directorate for the Quality

1 Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina,

Around these three Agreements, the Council of Europe has established

Since then, the Council of Europe has adopted a number of recommen-

Work on Recommendation No. R (95) 15 started in 1986, when the

Based on these proposals, the Select Committee produced a more

Recommendation No. R (95) 15 also states that its technical appendix

This is the 16th Edition of the Guide containing amendments which

APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDATION No. R (95) 15 .................................. 43

Chapter 1. Principles of a quality system for blood establishments .............. 49

Part A. Components for intrauterine transfusions .....................................337

Detailed table of contents

APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDATION No. R (95) 15 ................................... 43

Chapter 1. Principles of a quality system for blood establishments .............. 49

Chapter 2. Principles of donor selection............................................................85

Chapter 3. Principles of blood collection.........................................................103

Chapter 4. Principles of blood component preparation .................................113

Paragraph 15. Transportation of blood components ..................................... 138

Chapter 5. Principles of blood component monographs ............................... 141

Chapter 7. Principles of autologous predeposit transfusion ..........................147

Chapter 8. Principles of blood group serology ................................................151

Chapter 9. Principles of screening for markers of infection ......................... 161

Chapter 10. Principles of pre-transfusion and transfusion measures ..........167

Chapter 11. Principles of haemovigilance ........................................................ 175

Paragraph 3. Types of adverse reactions and adverse events collected

Chapter 2. Standards for selection of donors ..................................................199

Chapter 3. Standards for blood collection ....................................................... 213

Chapter 4. Standards for blood component preparation, storage and

Chapter 5. Component monographs ................................................................225

Paragraph 6. Platelets, Apheresis .....................................................................291

Part D. Plasma components............................................................................311

Part E. White cell components ......................................................................329

Chapter 6. Standards for blood components for intrauterine, neonatal

Chapter 7. Standards for autologous pre-deposit transfusion ....................... 355

Chapter 8. Standards for blood group serology ..............................................359

Chapter 9. Standards for screening for infectious markers ...........................361

Chapter 10. Standards for transfusion............................................................. 367

Chapter 11. Standards for haemovigilance .......................................................371

List of definitions ................................................................................................395

Abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 403

Recommendations and resolutions of the Council of Europe

List of publications ............................................................................................407

Members of ad hoc group (GTS)

BAROTINE TOTH Klara

European Committee (Partial Agreement)

BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

VAN DER POEL Cees

MANSOURI TALEGHANI Behrouz

Us Food and Drug Administration

World Health Organization