Allogeneic blood is a scarce resource and all possible alternatives need to be examined to avoid shortages. The main reasons for scarcity are:

Increasing demand for blood components Reduction in number of blood donors Change in life-styles - risk factors Foreign travel Concerns about vCJD - "disease without a cure" Litigation (Hepatitis C Judgement) Increasing costs Changing demographics

To see current UK blood stock levels, click the NBS logo below