The fate of donated blood: a rigorous process

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Extract from the article: Collected blood is a vital resource that requires strict management to ensure the safety of recipients and donors themselves. Blood transfusions at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) in Lomé are based on a rigorous protocol. This proc...

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Collected blood is a vital resource that requires strict management to ensure the safety of recipients and donors themselves. Blood transfusions at the National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS) in Lomé are based on a rigorous protocol. This process is long and demanding. It involves volunteer donors, qualified staff, and significant technical resources to ensure product compliance.

First, the production of labile blood products (LBP) requires constant monitoring. The cost of producing a bag of blood is estimated at between 50,000 and 60,000 CFA francs. This resource is precious. The sustainability of reserves depends on optimized management.

From collection to biological testing

The journey of a blood bag begins with the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)-Collection stage. After raising awareness, welcoming the donor to the collection site (fixed or mobile), conducting an interview and pre-donation examination, the collection is performed. This involves taking two blood samples in tubes and one in a blood bag. The blood bags are then sent to the preparation department and the samples to the Donor Biological Qualification (DBQ) laboratory.

Next, the DBQ is an essential testing stage. It is divided into two laboratories. In the Immunohematology laboratory, blood typing is performed on all blood donations. In addition, compatibility tests are carried out there if they cannot be performed in hospital blood bank laboratories. Meanwhile, the Serology Laboratory tests for the presence of infectious agents that can be transmitted through blood, including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis. Finally, all test results are transferred to the transfusion management software.

Preparation, validation, and destination of bags

In conjunction with the biological qualification of the donation, blood products are prepared. Whole blood bags are centrifuged to separate the blood into its various components, known as labile blood products (LBP). At the CNTS, red blood cell concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, and platelet concentrates are produced.

The release of the products then depends on the laboratory results. The control software cross-references the information for each prepared product with the laboratory results.

There are then two possible scenarios:

If the product is valid: The software reports that the product is compliant. A specific label is printed and affixed to the bag. This label indicates the nature of the product, the blood type, and the expiration date, among other information, and the product is transferred to distribution to be delivered to patients.

If the product is disqualified: The identification label cannot be printed. The bag is then removed from the transfusion circuit and enters the incineration destruction circuit.

The storage period for blood products varies. Red blood cell concentrates can be stored for about one month. Fresh frozen plasma, on the other hand, can be stored for up to one year.

To donate blood, go to:

- The National Blood Transfusion Center (CNTS), located in Doumasséssé, near the Doumassessé II public elementary school and the EAMAU. The center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Toll-free number: 8214.

- PCD Tokoin, located in the Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital behind the hemodialysis department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 92 13 89 89

- PCD Kpalimé, located in the Kpalimé Regional Hospital next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 70 53 66 66

- PCD Atakpamé, located in the Atakpamé Regional Hospital next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 70 91 33 33

- PCD Afagnan, located in the ST Jean de Dieu Hospital in Afagnan next to the laboratory department: open Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. without interruption, Tel: 70 86 55 55.

Esther KOLANI