Bulk transfer of blood and its component: A single-center experience after 2 years of its implementation

Abstract

Background and Objectives: BTS in India is highly decentralized and lack many vital resources. National blood policy also depicted safe and adequate blood supply. An Important initiative that can lead to increased efficiency of blood transfusion services (BTS) in our country namely bulk transfer of blood permitting the exchange of blood among licensed blood bank was taken by NACO in the year 2015. In this study we tried to understand the impact of bulk transfer policy in bridging the gap between demand and supply and also prevent the wastages of precious blood resources. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of demand-supply of PCV and PC was done for the year 2016-2017. The same done again after implementation of bulk transfer policy for the year 2017-2018 just starting phase (few blood banks adopted) and for the year 2018-2019 after many blood banks taken up bulk transfer. Results: Before implementation of bulk transfer policy only 54.63% patients got red cell concentrate for transfusion and 38.35% patients got platelet concentrate. Supply increases to 68.31% and 69.41% respectively and hence reduces the wastage. Conclusion: Bulk transfer amendment is of great help to prevent wastages of precious blood resources, and hence can win the trust of society and increase voluntary blood donation.

Keywords

• blood transfusion services
• bulk transfer
• naco
• national blood transfusion council