Question reference: S6W-02618
- Asked by: Gillian Mackay, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Green Party
- Date lodged: 1 September 2021
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Current status: Answered by Humza Yousaf on 13 September 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to alleviate any impact of the shortage of blood specimen collection tubes.
Answer
The Scottish Government is working closely with NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), NHS Boards and other partners to manage supply issues relating to certain blood collection tubes.
NSS is continuing to meet supply requirements and all of NHS Scotland services are currently operating as normal. A number of resilience measures have been activated by NSS and they are working in partnership with clinical and laboratory colleagues, suppliers and NHS colleagues across the UK. NSS is reviewing the medium-term supply position closely and is seeking to ensure products remain available.
Guidance about best practice in diagnostic test use was issued on 20 August 2021.