[Blood transfusion in the European Union: current status and future challenges]

Blood transfusion is developing rapidly in the European Union. Though a compromise between technocrats, lobbies and blood transfusion professionals, the new specific EU directive (2002/98/EC) was a major step forward. In the future, blood transfusion in the EU must be centered on medical, scientific and social criteria, within a sound ethical and non commercial framework. Attention must be paid to the needs of patients and blood donors alike. The EuroNet-TMS survey is highly informative in this respect. National transfusion systems are extremely heterogeneous, ranging from public services to profit-oriented organizations. The approach to donors varies from one country and culture to another Some member states prescribe 2.5 times more blood products than others. Likewise, prevention and haemovigilance strategies are highly variable, with no attempt at harmonization.