Status of hospital-based blood transfusion services in low-income and middle-income countries: a cross-sectional international survey.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

Blood transfusion is life-saving for patients experiencing acute blood loss and severe anaemia. In low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), low blood donation rates and unavailability of whole blood and blood components (blood products) impairs timely blood transfusion. To fulfil patient-specific blood orders, a hospital blood transfusion service (HBTS) receives orders from a prescriber for blood transfusion, tests and prepares blood products for the patient. This study sought to describe the current state of LMIC HBTS.

Design

A cross-sectional survey explored LMIC HBTS access to blood products, testing methods, policies and structure. Surveys were administered in English, Spanish, French and Russian, followed by a mixed-methods analysis.

Setting

HBT

SUBMITTER: Barnes LS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8852762 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature