Press Release: Quality and safety standards for human tissues and cells

The European Commission proposed on 19 June 2002 new quality and safety standards for human tissues and cells used in therapy throughout the European Union. The measure aims to ensure comprehensive binding requirements for these human substances from donor to patient. The proposed Directive will mean that for the first time there will be a register of the entities operating in this field across the EU, minimum quality and safety systems which must apply, what professional requirements and training are needed, provisions for Member States inspections and penalties and mandatory minimum standards and procedures for the tissues and cells chain: donation, testing, procurement, processing, storage, distribution and preservation.