SCOTBLOOD 2009: the quest for understanding vCJD; Claudia's Trachea implantation; transfusion triggers; Scottish histocompatibility and immunogenetics network; and islet cell transplantation.

Scotblood 2009 consisted of a varied combination of leading edge presentations incorporating the past, present and future. Variant CJD was a major feature of the meeting comprising the quest for its understanding and the impact the disease was having on blood donation. The meeting also included the fascinating and groundbreaking story of Claudia's Trachea transplantation, along with progress in the establishment of the Scottish histocompatibility and immunogenetics network and islet transplantation. The meeting began however with a talk on facilities for the future, outlining major modernization of SNBTS in order to meet future challenges.