Bad Blood between Countries: A Call for International Regulation of the Blood Industry

The management of blood products varies significantly around the globe. The fact that there is no standardized regulation of the blood industry even though blood products are imported and exported worldwide results in a potential threat to the well being of donors not only within a given country but also globally. This paper examines the differences in blood safety management around the world and then describes six impediments to the delivery of safe blood products worldwide. The paper concludes by identifying some changes that are necessary in the global management of blood products if the world's blood supply is to be considered safe. Clearly international regulation of this life-giving industry is necessary.