A reliable quality assurance system in transfusion practice is essential to guarantee patient safety. The guidelines set out the framework conditions applicable to Switzerland and provide guidance to institutions that conduct transfusions on how to structure and develop their processes.
The second version that has now been published has been updated to take account of current legislation and knowledge. The revisions include the requirements for storing and transporting blood products, the tasks of the transfusion committee and the procedure for adverse events. New practical checklists, for pre-transfusion checks, for example, have been added.
The guidelines were revised and approved jointly by the Association of Cantonal Pharmacists (KAV), the Swiss Association of Cantonal Officers of Health (VKS), the Swiss Transfusion Medicine Association (SVTM), Swiss Transfusion SRC, Swissmedic and haemovigilance specialists.