[From the transfusion informationcard to the tracing of blood products].

The transfusion sheet established in 1985 with the aim of improving the immunological safety has not fulfilled the goal expected. Furthermore, it is now clear that the immunological safety does not necessarily imply transfusional safety only, though alertness in this field should be maintained. The residual post transfusional risk, though limited, should remain a permanent concern both for the transfuser and the prescriptor. "Haemovigilance" has become an integral part of the transfusional safety. It cannot exist without a trace-back of the blood products. At any time it should be possible to determine: "who received what and from whom?" The blood bank has the responsibility for the link between the donor and the blood product and the clinician has the responsibility of the link between the blood product and the recipient. Both partners must be aware of the absolute necessity of sharing and checking all information. Means for this trace-back exist, sophisticated or not, and more or less costly. It is up to each one to select the most suitable system.