Authors
Zhiburt E.B.1, Khamitov R.G.2, Umarov G.M.3, Shestakov E.A.1, Madzaev S.R.1
1 Pirogov National Medical and Surgical Center, Moscow
2 Republican Blood Transfusion Station, Ufa
3 Zhambyl Regional Blood Center, Taraz, Republic of Kazakhstan
Abstract
Rationale: The blood service is a bridge between donors and recipients. The third category of participants in the blood collection and transfusion processes are medical personnel and volunteers. The uniqueness of both the social base and processes of the blood service have determined its unique changes in the COVID-19 era.
Objective: To identify patterns in the collection and transfusion of donor blood during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A search for reviews, meta-analyses, and randomized clinical trials was conducted using the terms “blood service,” “blood collection,” “blood transfusion,” “SARS-CoV-2,” and “COVID-19” in electronic libraries in Russia (eLibrary.ru) and the United States (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). The obtained data were compared with the results of the Pirogov Center COVID-19 Hospital. A total of 72 publications were selected for analysis.
Results: The following topics were structured and discussed: 1) general issues, 2) blood banking issues, 3) blood collection issues, and 4) anti-COVID plasma.
Conclusion: When preparing for a possible future pandemic, it is important to consider the following: 1) COVID-19 pandemic warning signs were coronavirus outbreaks in the previous two decades; 2) it will be important to quickly determine whether there is a risk of transmission of a new pandemic virus through blood; 3) blood service professionals must be prepared for changes in work, policies, and procedures; 4) donor health and safety issues will be a key focus; 5) blood handlers may also be involved in new activities; 6) Scenario development, tabletop exercises, and training will allow blood handlers to prepare for the unknowns of the next pandemic.
Keywords: blood service, blood banking, blood transfusion, SARS-CoV-2, anti-COVID plasma.
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