Policy and guidance about blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the use of blood and blood products in the NHS, and bloodborne viruses including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
On 20 May 2009, the government published its response to Lord Archer of Sandwell’s independent report on NHS supplied contaminated blood and blood products.
Published: 17 February 2009
This sets out the implications of testing blood donations for abnormal prion protein which indicate infection with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD). It considers the potential consequences of a screening test for donors, for the safety and supply of blood, and for subsequent precautions against further transmission of vCJD.
Published: 12 January 2009
In March 2008, the Department commissioned a review of current UK practice in umbilical cord blood (UCB) collection and use compared to other parts of the world. The review and its report has been completed and published below. Copies have also been placed in the library of the Houses of Parliament.
Therapeutic immunoglobulin is a blood product used to treat a wide range of diseases. There has been concern over availability in the NHS. In 2006, the Department initiated the National Demand Management Programme for Immunoglobulin to provide guidance on appropriate use, to manage demand and to ensure supply for patients for whom immunoglobulin is life-saving.
A key component of the DH-initiated National Demand Management Programme for Immunoglobulin is the National Immunoglobulin database. This update describes initial findings from the Database, on immunoglobulin prescribing patterns, gives information on the forthcoming Model Commissioning Policy for immunoglobulin and offers a summary of the updated guidance on the use of immunoglobulin for measles post-exposure prophylaxis issued by the Health Protection Agency.
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.
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.
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).
About the donation and use of blood and blood products in the NHS.
The most common serious viruses carried in people's bloodstreams are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
High blood pressure, known as hypertension, is a major cause of strokes, coronary heart disease and other illnesses including kidney disease and aortic aneurysm.
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.
The Department is reviewing and releasing documents held on the safety of blood and blood products, 1970-1985.
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.
Papers from Committee Meetings, Public Summaries, Minutes
Part of the NHS which delivers blood, blood components, blood products and tissues from 15 national blood centres. It also carries out research into improving the safety of blood. National Blood Service is part of NHS Blood and Transplant
