Open Access News Health & Social Care Securing Europe’s health future: The need for a safe blood supply November 6, 2024 Image: © spawns | iStock The regular supply of safe blood is crucial for health systems worldwide. In this article, the Blood Transfusion Association explains how the EU’s updated SoHO Regulation is impacting the sustainable and safe supply of life-saving blood products Blood donations are crucial for Europe’s healthcare system as they support a wide range of medical treatments, from regular surgeries to emergency care and chronic disease management, including anaemias and cancer. Recent figures show the EU is experiencing a shortage of 5.
15 million litres of plasma needed for producing life-saving plasma-derived medicinal products (PDMPs). About 38% of the plasma used for manufacturing PDMPs for EU patients comes from the US. Despite the challenges ahead, research into artificial blood products is yielding promising results and could help with blood supply, particularly in emergency situations.
In the EU, roughly 1,400 blood establishments oversee the collection and distribution of blood and its components – red cells, platelets, and plasma- and use over 18 million blood bag annually (including apheresis sets and whole blood sets). Ensuring a safe, sufficient, and sustainable blood supply faces various challenges, including safety concerns, demand management during crises, and the environmental impact of the supply chain. The role of the SoHO Regu.
