BLOOD BANK

INTRODUCTION

• The term "Blood bank" typically refers to a division of a

hospital laboratory where the storage of blood or blood
components gathered as a result of blood donation, tested,
stored and preserved for later use in blood transfusion.

• It is a cornerstone of emergency and surgical medicine.

 FUNCTIONS
• Selection of donors i.e. to determine the suitability.
• Blood collection.
• Screening of blood for various blood borne diseases.
• Component preparation.
• Storage of blood & blood products.
• Record keeping of the above.
• Training of medical & paramedical staff.
• Research and development.
 LOCATION
• The ideal location for blood bank is on the ground floor with
prominent signage for donors and patients or attendants.

• It should be close to accidents and emergency services and

hematology department.

• Proximity to operation theatre complex though desirable

may not be feasible in multistoried building which are a
trend now a days.

• A proper access with ample parking space definitely adds

more appeal to donors.
 SPACE REQUIREMENT
• A blood bank requires a minimum of 100sq.mt. for its
operation & an additional of 50sq.mt for component
preparation.

• It should consists of at least a room each for registration and

medical examination, blood collection, component
preparation, TTI lab, sterilization cum washing area,
refreshment cum rest room and store cum records room.
 STAFFING
Every blood bank shall have following categories of whole
time competent technical staff:

• Medical officer – A person adequately trained and

experienced in transfusion services should head it, preferably
a M.D. in Transfusion Medicine or Pathology.
The person appointed should have the authority to organize,
manage, collaborate and to ensure the fulfillment of safe
blood transfusion services.
 DESIGN
Donor Complex

• The donor complex consists of a donor waiting area, donor

registration, medical examination room with preliminary testing,
blood collection area, donor rest room and refreshment room.

• The flow of donors should be uniform and clearly defined to avoid

unnecessary traffic in the corridors.

• The donor complex should be pleasant and comfortable.

• The donor organizers should be associated with donor complex for

donor motivation, recruitment and retention.
Blood storage

• Initial storage of blood should be in the vicinity of the place

where donor blood is collected, this is called as the
quarantine storage.

• After all the tests are performed, blood should be stored in

vicinity of the issue area.
Component preparation

• The area for blood component should be close to quarantine

storage.

• The component laboratory should be clean, dust-free and well

lit.

Laboratory for testing

• A laboratory should be designated for screening of all donor

units for transfusion-transmitted diseases.
 PROCESS
Donor Selection and Testing

• A detailed history of a donor is performed prior to selection for blood

donation.

• An adequate physical examination is performed prior to approving the

individual as a blood donor.

• Donor blood is collected safely and aseptically according to a defined

protocol.

• Donor blood undergoes routine testing before being used for transfusion.
In addition, process controls are used to ensure appropriate tracking and
prevent blood from being released prematurely.
Blood and Component Storage Requirements (for Donor Facility and Blood
Transfusion Services)

• The blood bank director ensures that blood and components are stored in
a secure and appropriate fashion in order to prevent damage or
deterioration.

• Storage areas used for blood and components are appropriate for the
volume and variety of components stored.

• Storage areas for blood and components are monitored to ensure that
appropriate temperatures are maintained.

• The laboratory maintains identification and traceability of specimens;

reagents; test results; and blood, blood components, and products.
Blood Transfusion Services: Testing of Blood Prior to Transfusion

• The laboratory tests donor blood and recipient blood with potent
typing sera and adequately reactive cells of a known type to
determine the correct ABO blood group and Rh type.

• The potency and reliability of reagents used for ABO grouping, Rh

typing, antibody detection, and compatibility determinations are
tested for reactivity.

• Before blood is administered, appropriate compatibility testing and

antibody testing (except in an emergency) are performed. In
addition, other procedural controls are implemented.
 QUALITY ASSURANCE IN BLOOD TRANSFUSION
SERVICE
• In blood transfusion service, the primary goal is 'transfusion of
safe unit of blood.'

• The objective is to ensure availability of a sufficient supply of

blood, blood components of high quality with maximum
efficacy and minimum risk to both donors and patients.

• Quality system must be applied to all laboratories, whether

small or more advance. It should include the implementation,
maintenance and monitoring of the quality assurance system.