In the absence of substitutes, the use of blood components remains essential

in therapy. This guide contains a compendium of measures designed to ensure

the safety, efficacy and quality of blood components and is particularly

intended for all those working in blood transfusion services. In accordance

with the approach recommended by the Council of Europe in this field, it is

based on the premise of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.

It describes the different blood components and gives information on their

clinical indications and possible side effects.

Adopted in 1995 as a technical appendix to Recommandation No. R (95) 15

of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, the guide continues

to be the "golden standard" for blood transfusion services and forms the

basis for many national guidelines in Europe and around the world. For

example, in 2000 Australia mandated the guide in its standard for blood

components.

The Select Committee of Experts on Quality Assurance in Blood Transfusion

Services participated in the preparation of this 13th edition of the guide,

taking into account the new advances in technology.

This 13th edition of the Guide to the preparation, use and quality assurance

of blood components will be of interest to blood transfusion centres,

legislators, healthcare personnel and to all those working in the field of blood

transfusion.