[Transfusion risks: importance of blood surveillance]

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Public Health
• Hematology

Background:

• Transfusion risks arise from the complexity of the transfusion chain, including human errors and screening limitations.
• While causes and manifestations of transfusion risks are known, their precise rates and environmental contributions in France remain unclear due to a lack of mandatory reporting.
• Existing prevention policies lack rigorous assessment, hindering the development of new safety strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the known causes and mechanisms of transfusion risks.
• To identify the lack of accurate epidemiological data on transfusion risks in France.
• To emphasize the need for improved assessment and follow-up of transfusion safety.

Main Methods:

• Review of known causes, mechanisms, and manifestations of transfusion risks.
• Identification of data gaps in French transfusion safety reporting.
• Analysis of the limitations in current prevention policy assessments.

Main Results:

• Transfusion risks are multifactorial, involving donors, donations, and the transfusion act, with immediate or delayed mechanisms.
• The absence of a mandatory reporting system in France prevents accurate quantification of transfusion risk rates and environmental factors.
• Current assessments of prevention policies lack the rigor needed for effective policy development.

Conclusions:

• Establishing a robust system for assessing and monitoring transfusion safety is essential.
• Improved epidemiological data on blood donation, use, and transfusion risks can guide policy and enhance safety.
• Implementing recommendations from the Comity of transfusion safety follow-up and relevant legislation is vital for advancing transfusion safety.