In the United States, ∼14 million units of whole blood (WB) are collected each year from ∼7 million donors. The blood is processed into blood components (RBCs, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate) and used in the treatment of surgical, obstetric, medical,…
Physicians play a central role in blood centers with direct and indirect responsibilities. The physician’s role actively participates in the blood center activities, including collection, manufacturing, storage, and distribution of biologics (cellular therapies and blood components), and, in some cases,…
Transfusion medicine is a highly regulated industry, and regulatory oversight has and continues to be a major factor in most aspects of operations. Although in the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the primary regulator, a number…
Quality, as defined in the field of blood banking and transfusion medicine, has evolved from a focus on retrospective auditing and review of sampling and testing. This evolution began with a focus on compliance and meeting minimal regulations, standards, and…
A safe and reliable blood supply is critical to the function of complex healthcare systems worldwide. Blood transfusion is one of the most common therapeutic medical practices. The field of transfusion medicine (blood banking and transfusion services) has expanded to…