Aide-mémoire for National Health Authorities: safe blood components

Overview

Safe blood may be used most effectively if it is divided into components prepared from whole blood donations or obtained by aphaeresis procedures. One unit of whole blood can be used to meet the needs of more than one patient and provide only that component that is required. 

An effective blood component programme requires a sustainable national blood programme, including a well-organized, nationally coordinated blood transfusion service (BTS), a stable base of suitable, voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors, accurate testing systems, quality systems, and a suitable regulatory mechanism.