Mr. Stephen O'Brien:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 23 February 2009, Official Report, column 199W, on blood: donation, for what reasons the units were not transfused. [267379]
Dawn Primarolo:
The following table shows total red cell units issued to hospitals in England and North Wales reporting data to the Blood Stocks Management scheme which were not transfused; the percentage of units issued which were not transfused; and a breakdown of the reasons the units were not transfused in each year since 2005-06:
Financial Year
Red cells issued and not transfused
Total percentage red cells issued and not transfused( 1)
Reason not transfused( 2)
Percentage breakdown by reason of units issued and not transfused
2005-06
35,917
2.56
Time Expired
73.8
OTCOL
18.4
MISC
5.6
FF
2.2
2006-07
31,620
2.24
Time Expired
70.2
OTCOL
21.3
MISC
7.1
FF
1.4
2007-08
30,188
2.21
Time Expired
70.2
OTCOL
21.8
MISC
5.9
FF
2.1
(1 )Figures given to one decimal place in answer of 23 February 2009, Official Report, column 199W. (2) Wastage reasons:
OTCOL-out of temperature control outside laboratory (unit failed thirty minute rule).
FF-fridge failure (physical failure of blood bank).
MISC-Miscellaneous (any other reason not covered by the other three reasons).
The figures given for the percentage of red cell units issued and not transfused for each financial year correct the information in the written answer given to the hon. Member on 23 February 2009, Official Report, column 199W.
Mr. Stephen O'Brien:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the decision to stop supplying (a) human serum and (b) blood for non-clinical purposes was made by NHS Blood and Transplant; what consultation was undertaken before the decision; how 31 Mar 2009 : Column 1087W
much blood has been used for non-clinical purposes in each of the last 10 years; and what those purposes were. [267517]
Dawn Primarolo:
No decision to stop supplying human serum or blood for non-clinical purposes has been made by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).
The provision of blood for clinical purposes always takes precedence over non-clinical issues. Blood is supplied for non-clinical use according to strict protocols. Wherever possible, blood which is not suitable for therapeutic use for patients is used for this purpose. However, where this is not possible consent is sought from donors.
The following series of tables shows blood issued by NHS Blood and Transplant for non-clinical purposes such as quality assurance; quality control; development; validation; and ethically approved research in each financial year since 2004-05. Information is not available for a complete financial year prior to 2004-05.
Non clinical issue product
Quantity (units)
Financial year 2004-05
Buffy coat residue
669
Buffy coats
4,818
Clinical Spec Research Plasma
32
Clinical Spec Research Red Cells
15
Clinical Spec Research Whole Blood
84
Research plasma—sterile 250
1,180
Research platelets
12
Research red cells
184
Research whole blood
530
Serum
346
Serum group AB
452
Serum—non AB
1,017
Time Expired Apheresis Platelets internal use only
12
Time expired Neonatal platelets
8
Time Expired Platelets
20
Financial year 2005-06
Buffy Coat Residue
2,286
Buffy coats
4,615
Clinical Spec Research Plasma
5
Clinical Spec Research Red Cells
15
Clinical Spec Research Whole Blood
166
Leukocyte Filters
179
Research Cryo Depleted Plasma
3
Research Plasma—sterile 250
1,310
Research platelets
22
Research red cells
162
Research whole blood
638
Serum group AB
261
Serum—non AB
1,508
Serum—non AB (OPC)
239
Time Expired Apheresis Platelets (internal use only)
14
Time expired platelets
19
Time expired red cells
22
Whole Blood—Filter residue
2,564
Financial year 2006-07
Buffy Coat Residue
801
Buffy coats
4,614
Clinical Spec Research Plasma
4
31 Mar 2009 : Column 1088W
Clinical Spec Research Red Cells
22
Clinical Spec Research Whole Blood
194
Cryoprecipitate—internal use only
7
Leukocyte Filters
74
Research Cryo Depleted Plasma
12
Research plasma—sterile 250
1,271
Research platelets
17
Research red cells
176
Research whole blood
676
Serum
97
Serum group AB
405
Serum—non AB
1,295
Time Expired Apheresis Platelets (internal use only)
24
Time Expired Platelets
86
Time Expired red cells
7
Financial year 2007-08
Buffy Coat Residue
919
Buffy coats
4,895
Clinical Spec Research Plasma
3
Clinical Spec Research Platelets
4
Clinical Spec Research Red Cells
15
Clinical Spec Research Whole Blood
241
Leukocyte Filters
58
Research Cryo Depleted Plasma
1
Research Plasma—sterile 250
1,447
Research platelets
36
Research platelets—marginal cost
13
Research red cells
104
Research whole blood
906
Serum
277
Serum group AB
316
Serum—non AB
1,245
Time Expired Apheresis Platelets (internal use only)
