A more precautionary benefit is protection against known and unknown pathogens. It is difficult to estimate the actual risk, and consequently to estimate the benefit for the patient. While in The Netherlands no epidemics have occurred against which no screening tests could be developed, including Q-fever, there is a small but real risk that an epidemic can wipe out the blood supply in a country. This has happened in La Réunion, where an epidemic of chikungunya virus urged import of blood products from abroad, followed by rapid introduction of a pathogen reduction technology to ensure the blood supply [Rasongles, Transfusion 2009]. An outbreak of this virus in Italy resulted in suspension of blood collections in an affected area, which led to a low blood inventory as well as a reduced delivery of plasma to fractionation institutes.