Eurobloodpack: a common European design for blood bag systems with integral leucodepletion filters

Three EBA specified blood bag configurations (‘Eurobloodpack’) are described which are capable of meeting >80% of its member’s requirements. These include a ‘top‐and‐top’ and two ‘bottom‐and‐top’ packs enabling aseptic, pre‐donation collection of up to 40 ml of samples, 427·5–522·5 ml of whole blood and the preparation of an extensive range of blood components. Features currently beyond the scope of ISO standardisation have been controlled including: anticoagulant and additive volumes; collection needle and sampling system; transfer tubing; cross‐match line; base label; leucodepletion filter performance; compatibility of access ports and transfusion sets. Eurobloodpack has significant advantages for blood services and blood bag manufacturers.