This guidance updates and replaces the guidance issued in 2000 by the Advisory Committee on the Microbiological Safety of Blood Tissues and Organs for Transplantation (MSBTO). The role of MSBTO has now been replaced by the Advisory Committee on the Safety of Blood Tissues and Organs (SaBTO), whose role is to advise on reducing to a minimum the avoidable risk of transmission of infection through transplantation. The guidance has been written by a working group after extensive consultation. (Department of Health - publications)