In summary, the technical, scientific and medical aspects of transfusion me dicine continue to be critical. We all must find ways to provide a safer unit of blood and blood components. However, there must be a realization by all in volved in the profession that the management and administration aspects of transfusion medicine deserve equal attention, respect and support. Why? It is very simple Without all aspectsoftransfusion medicine working togetherfor the common good - care ofthe patient - we will all fail. References 1. Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, American...

In transfusion medicine the scientific fundamentals of immunology have had a considerable clinical impact. Transfusion may suppress the immunity but some patients could suffer disadvantages including GvHD, alloimmunisation and possible cancer, where white cells (WBC) play pivotal roles in this phenomenon, presenting antigens and producing cytokines. A clinical application of this practice is LAK-cells targeted against cancer. MHC on the WBC may provide additional immunological modulations through series of secondary messengers. Thus reduction of WBC in the blood and bone marrow may be...