If you’ve ever donated blood before, maybe you are aware of the steps in the blood supply chain. The truth is, a lot goes into the process of getting blood from donor to transfusion patient. From an individual donating blood to testing and processing procedures, to transportation and transfusion logistics, there are many factors and steps in the blood supply chain within the United States. Blood is in high demand, as one in seven people entering a hospital end up requiring blood. This high need for blood, combined with the fact that only six to seven percent of people are universal donors (meaning they have type o negative blood), creates the necessity for an efficient and productive supply chain process.
Donating Blood
There is no substitute for human blood, and donors are incredibly generous in helping those whose lives depend on blood transfusions. After a donor makes the decision to donate, they need to be screened to ensure that eligibility requirements are met. In order to ensure the safety of the donor and the receiving patient, meeting these requirements is imperative and dependent on the donation type. Once a donor is screened for eligibility, they are ready to donate. This process varies depending on the type of donation. Whole blood, plasma, and platelet donations are all options for donors as long as they are eligible, with whole blood donations being the most common.
Preparing Blood
The donated blood is sent to blood centers and laboratories to conduct processing and testing. Donated blood needs to be processed to separate the blood into transfusable components such as red cells, platelets, and plasma. These components and further processed and packaged as units. Several tests are performed within processing to confirm blood type and test for any abnormalities or infectious diseases.
After passing testing and processing, units are labeled and stored. Depending on the blood component, units are stored differently. There are specific similarities and differences in how components of blood are stored and transported.
Transporting Blood
When units are ready, they move into the transportation process and are moved to hospitals or other medical providers that will conduct the transfusion. When transporting units, blood products must be stored in specific temperature conditions, and extra steps must be taken to ensure the optimal temperature ranges for the unit are maintained throughout the transportation process. This typically involves specific containers and monitoring of products.
Units also have different shelf lives, blood at forty-two days, platelets at five days, and plasma at up to a year if frozen properly. Regardless of shelf life, all of these products are recommended to be transported in less than twenty-four hours. Thanks to transportation services such as Medi-Ops, air and ground transportation options make these time and transportation constraints more than possible to accommodate. Hospitals and large medical facilities typically have blood in proper storage and on-site. A continuous supply is ensured so these facilities always have what they need. However, emergencies do arise, and sometimes an emergent call for more blood products is necessary.
Typically, additional safety testing is done upon the unit’s arrival at a facility to provide optimal care to patients. In some cases, additional testing and processing of the unit are required for specific patients.
Transfusion Process
The last stage of this whole process is the actual transfusion. Patients are identified and have blood compatibility tests to confirm their safety and health. While multitudes of individuals receive blood, transfusions can help patients struggling with cancer, trauma, sickle-cell, burn victims, and those with chronic diseases. Patients receive the transfusion while being closely monitored by medical professionals. Transfusions can involve a patient receiving whole blood or a specific component, depending on the needs of that individual. These other transfusable components involve red cells, platelets, plasma, cryo, and granulocytes. There are advantages to receiving transfusions of any or all of these components depending on the condition and treatment plan of the patient. Post-transfusion protocols are set in place as well so the medical team and patient can stay in continuous communication for follow-ups.
Research
Another more behind the scenes portion of this process is research initiatives and testing programs. Medical innovators are continuously testing and researching different uses of blood and blood components to further pursue medicine and future solutions. Research facilities, universities, and medical organizations are constantly looking for new approaches and treatments using blood and transfusion processes. Blood research is always interesting and inspires hope for future medicinal solutions.
Every two seconds, an individual is in need of blood. The number of logistics and steps involved in the blood supply chain process is crucial in saving lives across the nation. Donating blood is also extremely important for hospitals and medical organizations to continue helping patients in the best ways possible. If you are considering donating blood, find a place near you and help countless individuals today! The process for the donor only takes about an hour from arrival to departure. Donating blood is an incredibly generous accomplishment, and you can inspire your friends and family to do the same.