ABSTRACT
The main objective of the Italian National Transplant Center (CNT) is to increase the number, the quality and the safety of transplants by promoting special programs in cooperation with Italian Regions. Data show that the number of deceased subjects that are reported for organ or tissue donation is largely lower than it could potentially be, and that great variations exist among different Regions. In order to increase the number of performed transplants, the CNT is planning to move in three main directions: (1) promoting transplants from deceased donors, (2) promoting transplants from living donors and (3) optimising the way organs are stored, distributed and utilised across the country.
Subject(s)
Tissue Donors/statistics & numerical data , Tissue and Organ Procurement/organization & administration , Cadaver , Humans , Italy , Living Donors , Tissue Donors/supply & distribution , Tissue and Organ Procurement/methods , Tissue and Organ Procurement/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the last years, there have been increasing concerns about the safety and traceability of human tissues and cells in Europe. In order to regulate this part of medical practice, the European Commission issued 3 directives between 2004 and 2006 and endorsed EUROCET to support member states in fulfilling some of their obligations. MATHODS: EUROCET created a connection with the European Union (EU) Competent Authorities (CAs) and set up a website where lists of the CAs, the authorized Tissue Establishments (TEs) and the activity data are published and updated. Moreover, EUROCET is involved within the Vigilance and Surveillance of Substances of Human Origin (SOHO V&S) project, aiming to support the EU member states in the establishment of vigilance and surveillance systems for tissues and cells. EUROCET is also working with EU stakeholders to develop a common coding system concerning donation and products. RESULTS: There are 33 countries in EUROCET and 57 CAs. 3,974 TEs are recorded: 1,108 for tissues, 1,480 for haematopoietic progenitor cells and 1,386 for assisted reproduction. On the website, it is possible to find the 2010 activity data report. CONCLUSION: Based on its cooperation with the CAs, EUROCET represents them in the European network. Nowadays, the EU member states can rely on a web portal and database in order to put the tissue and cell directives into practice.
