Survey of Institutions on Tissue Banking Activities
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has been actively supporting the international development of tissue banking for the past 3 decades, particularly in demonstrating the use of radiation as a mean of sterilising human tissues.
Over the last few years there has been a steadily increase in tissue banking activities on a global scale. Many national and regional tissue banking associations have been formed and co-operation between the associations has been forged. The procedures and practices to process tissues have also evolved over the past years and the regulatory compliance has become part of the requirements in many countries. Along with these changes are the increased tissue donation activities and public awareness of tissue donation as well as research and development, training and all tissue banking related subject areas.
It is now recognised that there is a need for a comprehensive data base about the institutions that are involved in tissue banking so that the Agency can develop future strategies based on facts and figures. Since 2011, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is carrying out a survey on the tissue banking activities of all the tissue banks.
The purpose of the survey is to establish regional and global overview of the current tissue banking activities and practices in order to assist the International Atomic Energy Agency to provide further guidance about the use of radiation technology to sterilise tissues as well as to promote better collaboration between the regional tissue banking associations.
Up to date, many institutions have completed the questionnaire. The outcome from this survey will provide a regional and global overview of the current tissue banking activities and practices which can be assimilated to the regional tissue banking associations so that a better collaboration and support can be organised by the respective associations within the context of the development of the international tissue banking.
The survey is an on-going exercise and has not completed yet. It is important that all the tissue banks participate and submit the data. It is not the aim of this survey to critically examine and disclose the individual tissue banks in relation to the quantitative figures. The Agency urges the remaining tissue banks to participate in the survey. Therefore please complete the Questionnaire regardless of the size or the level of activity of your tissue bank or department or institution.
The Agency is looking forward to receiving your completed form.
Thanking you in advance.