[Transfusion safety, time for a new partnership between stake-holders].

Transfusion safety, time for a new partnership between stake-holders Following heightened publicity surrounding contaminated blood products, increased control has been implemented concerning all aspects of transfusion, from blood donor to finished product. A quality control programme has been implemented allowing a substantial reduction in adverse events. Transfusion medicine mandates the application of safety measures and hemo-vigilance helps to identify major risk factors in relation to bedside processes. Indeed, Swissmedic demands the application of such quality controls in every health institution. Given the enormous resources implicated with controlling transfusion products, isn't it time that National health authorities collaborate with local services in order to set a coherent transfusion policy and investment plan?