title: Problems and Approaches for Blood Transfusion in the Developing Countries.
abstract: A safe supply of blood and the knowledge, skill, and resources for the appropriate use of blood are essential for medical services. Many problems are faced in the development of transfusion services in low- or medium-income countries (LMICs). Unfortunately, in many countries, providing safe blood is made more difficult by a lack of blood donors and the high frequency of transfusion-transmissible infections. The problems are compounded by the frequent need for urgent life-saving transfusions. This article examines the problems in supply, safety, and use of blood and how they are being addressed in LMICs, predominantly focusing on sub-Saharan Africa.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, NHS Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Level 2, Oxford OX3 9BQ, UK. Electronic address: david.roberts@ndcls.ox.ac.uk.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Welsh Blood Service, Talbot Green, Pontyclun CF72 9WB, Wales, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Field
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine, Bloodworks NW, University of Washington, 921 Terry Avenue, Seattle 98102, WA 98102, USA.
authors.forename: Meghan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Delaney
authors.affiliation: International Public Health Department, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK.
authors.forename: Imelda
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Bates
mesh_terms: D001782:Blood Donors; D058731:Blood Safety; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D058996:Quality Improvement; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
keywords: Blood donor; Blood transfusion; Transfusion-transmitted infection; Use of blood