The EU Commission is reviewing the Directives on handling human blood, tissues and cells, and evaluating improvements to protect human life and protect against diseases.

MS – 06/2017

EU Questionnaire

The EU Commission is currently assessing the Directives on handling human blood and blood components (Directive 2002/98/EC) and human tissues and cells (Directive 2004/23/EC). These Directives set standards of quality and safety for the donation, processing, storage and distribution of human blood, tissues and cells. The Commission is calling on companies from the health sector as well as patients and donors to provide feedback on their experiences by 31 August 2017. The Commission has set up two online questionnaires, one for EU citizens and one for administrations, associations and other organisations

Analysis of the results

Medical treatment with these substances is common and can save human lives. Therefore, the Commission wants to establish whether the original objectives of the Directives have been met or whether changes must be made as a result of new scientific and technical advancements. The objectives of the directives are to protect human life and prevent the spread of hepatitis and HIV for everyone involved. The results will be presented in a final report that is due to be published at the end of 2018.