Haemovigilance and emerging infections in Blood Transfusion Ajeneye, F.

Abstract

Blood supply remains vulnerable to introduction of novel infectious blood borne agents. Haemovigilance is defined as a system of surveillance and alarm, ranging from the collection of blood products to the follow up of recipients, to gather and assess incidents resulting from the transfusion of the blood products. The main goal of haemovigilance is to prevent recurrence of incidents by identifying their causes. Blood Safety and Quality Regulations (BSQR) sets high standards of quality and safety in blood transfusion.

The instant traceability of infected or potentially infected individuals knowing test results, locations and movement over time and across borders is essential to containing the spread of highly contagious diseases.