(BRUSSELS) – The web-based EU Coding Platform, launched Thursday, will support healthcare professionals and national competent authorities in tracing donated tissues and cells from donor to recipient in the entire EU.
The EU Directive on standards for quality and safety of human tissues and cells sets standards for tissues and cells such as bone marrow, reproductive cells, corneas, skin, etc., that are used within the EU and which will be identified by a Single European Code (SEC).
The new standard SEC is seen as an important tool for better patient safety, as it enables the tracing of tissues and cells along the supply chain – from the donor to the patient receiving it.
In case of a quality or safety issue, it allows appropriate action, including – where necessary, withdrawing or recalling all tissues and cells from the same donor, to be taken quickly.
The EU Coding Platform contains information on all 2,800 tissue establishments authorised in the EU as well as categories of tissue and cell product codes. It provides users with a free, simple and efficient tool, to build their SEC for a tissues and cells product, and takes into account the needs of small-sized and not-for-profit tissue establishments.
The requirements for the Single European Code should be transposed into national law by Member States by 29 October 2016 and will be applicable from 29 April 2017.
