A high volume of tissues and cells are donated and transplanted every year in the EU. More than 130 000 units of tissues and cells were donated and over 60 000 transplants performed in 2011 alone. Many of these tissues and cells pass national borders during these processes. Vigilance beyond national borders, as provided by the RATC, is therefore extremely important.
In addition to quality and safety defects of tissues/cells, the RATC can be used to raise the alarm on illegal and fraudulent activities in this field, as well as on developing epidemiological situations (e.g. disease outbreaks) which may have cross-border implications.
For further information, please visit:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/blood_tissues_organs/tissues/index_en.htm