Guide to the Preparation, Use and Quality Assurance of Blood Components (8 Rev ed)

In the absence of substitutes, the use of blood components remains essential in therapy.

This edition presents 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, the guide is based on the premise of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.

It also describes the different blood components and gives information on their clinical indications and possible side-effects. Adopted in 1995 as a technical appendix to Recommendation R (95) 15 of the Council of Europe, this guide continues to be the "Golden Standard" for blood transfusion services and forms the basis for many national guidelines in Europe and outside.

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

In this eighth edition, chapter 12 on red cells obtained by apheresis has been completely overhauled.

Where neccessary, chapters have been revised in order to take into account what can be achieved with new technology.

For example, in chapter 1 on selection of donors the requirements for apheresis donors have been updated.