Ethical aspects of human tissue banking

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Unlike organs, which cannot be conserved, tissues can easily be stored for long periods. Once removed or collected, tissues are subject to a series of operations which, particularly when they are intended for transplantation, comprise the following functions: processing, preserving and storage, registration (to collect the data which will enable in particular the source of the tissues to be traced), and distribution and delivery.

Wherever tissues are removed from human beings, and possibly transplanted into other human beings, the activities involved in the collection and use of such tissues are subject to ethical requirements intended to safeguard respect for human beings, their dignity and autonomy, and for the common good.

The issue of safety is also vital, as the European Union has set itself the objective of guaranteeing each citizen a “high level of human health protection”. This protection must extend to tissue donors and recipients, and to all health care professionals - whose work involves collecting, manipulating and using human tissues.

At present we cannot be sure that the health safety of tissues is properly ensured throughout the European Union. This is due to the shortcomings of the existing national rules. As a result tissues move freely within Europe and are sometimes even imported from non-member countries, in many cases without detailed information on their origin, and in particular on the state of health of the donor.