[Integrating the blood transfusion service into hospital activities]

The traditional and present activities of a regional transfusion center catering for the blood product requirements of a population of some 250 000 are reviewed. It is suggested that the work of a blood bank should be extended to the laboratory sector and cover immunohematology, hematology and coagulation. Through the laboratory the transfusion center would thus be in close liaison with hospital clinical departments. It is of advantage for the staff of the enlarged blood bank to perform some degree of clinical activity, to facilitate discussion of clinical and technical problems relating to hematological disorders in general.