THERE is bound to be concern over the disclosure that three people were given eye tissue transplants from a woman lung-cancer victim who was also suffering from CJD, the human form of mad cow disease.
Speed is of the essence when it comes to the removal of transplant organs from dead donors and, perhaps, risk must be accepted when a disease like CJD can only be diagnosed after a full post-mortem examination.
But it is vital that any holes in the defences of transplant surgery are closed.
For it is evident from the remarks of Sam Galbraith, health minister at the Scottish Office, which has launched an inquiry, that there is a need for tighter screening of tissues used in transplants.
That must commence immediately - so that confidence in vital, life-saving transplant surgery is not damaged.
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