Which agency has federal oversight responsibility for ensuring the safety of our nation's blood supply?

The agency responsible for overseeing the safety of the nation's blood supply is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA plays a critical role in regulating blood and blood products, ensuring they are safe for transfusion and therapeutic use. This involves setting standards for blood collection, testing procedures, storage, and labeling.

Furthermore, the FDA monitors blood establishments to ensure compliance with federal regulations and to enforce actions in cases where safety standards are not met. These responsibilities are vital for preventing the transmission of infectious diseases through blood transfusions and protecting public health.

Other agencies, while important in the healthcare system, have different roles: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) focuses on disease prevention and control; the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) conducts research and provides education on heart, lung, and blood diseases; and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) primarily supports biomedical research.