Website of the Department of Health

Information for trusts purchasing imported solvent detergent (SD) treated fresh frozen plasma

A letter was published on 31 January 2006 (gateway reference 5999) to advise on the use of pathogen inactivated non-UK plasma for children requiring plasma and also for adults undergoing treatment for thrombotic thromocytopenic purpura.

This letter was updated on 27 June 2007 with information regarding EU regulations on the purchasing of non-UK plasma.

• Fresh frozen plasma

Platelet

The CMO's National Blood Transfusion Committee sub group on contingency planning prepared an integrated plan to address red cell shortages. The sub group has now developed an extension to the red cell plan that lists actions to be taken by both the National Blood Service (NBS) and hospitals in the event of a platelet shortage.

• An integrated plan for the National Blood Service and hospitals to address platelet shortages

NHS Blood and Transplant

As part of the Arm's Length Bodies review the National Blood Authority (NBA), which manages the National Blood Service, Bio Products Laboratory and the International Blood Group Reference Laboratory, and UK Transplant (UKT) merged on 1 October 2005 to form a new organisation, NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

• NHS Blood and Transplant (opens new window)

Blood safety general information

Blood safety general information

About the donation and use of blood and blood products in the NHS.

• Blood safety general information

Bloodborne viruses

The most common serious viruses carried in people's bloodstreams are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

• Bloodborne viruses

Blood pressure

High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a major cause of strokes, coronary heart disease and other illnesses including kidney disease and aortic aneurysm.

• Blood pressure

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Venous thrombosis is a condition in which a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a vein.Blood flow through the affected vein can be limited by the clot, causing swelling and pain. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism are the most common manifestations of venous thrombosis.

• Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Documents held by the Department of Health on the safety of blood and blood products

The Department is reviewing and releasing documents held on the safety of blood and blood products, 1970-1985.

• Documents held by the Department of Health on the safety of blood and blood products, 1970-1985 (11 July 2007)
• Review of documentation relating to the safety of blood products 1970 - 1985 (non-A, non-B hepatitis) (May 2007)
• Self-sufficiency in blood products in England and Wales: A chronology from 1973 to 1991 (February 2006)

Committees

The National Blood Transfusion Committee

The overall objective of the National Blood Transfusion Committee and the Regional Transfusion Committees is to promote safe and effective good transfusion practice in hospitals in accordance with the Better Blood Transfusion initiative and the Health Service Circular.

• The National Blood Transfusion Committee

Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Blood and Tissues for Transplantation

Papers from Committee Meetings, Public Summaries, Minutes

• Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Blood and Tissues for Transplantation (opens new window)