Military Blood Service in Poland

Area of Science:

• Military Medicine
• Transfusion Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• The Russia-Ukraine conflict underscored the critical need for robust blood supply chains during armed conflicts.
• The Military Blood Donation Service in Poland plays a vital role in ensuring blood availability for the Armed Forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the operational principles of the Military Blood Donation Service and the Military Center for Blood Donation and Hemotherapy in Poland.
• To analyze trends in military blood donation in Poland between 2010 and 2021.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the "Military Blood Bank" information processing system.
• Analyzed annual reports submitted to the Minister of Health of the Republic of Poland (2010-2021).
• Examined demographic data, reasons for disqualification, and donation success rates.

Main Results:

• Registered donors ranged from 15,000 to 35,000 annually since 2005, with notable declines in 2010 and 2020.
• Successful donations consistently exceeded 98% annually (except 2015), with 20,000-32,000 donations per year.
• Male donors predominated, with the 25-44 age group being the largest (except in 2010). Reasons for disqualification shifted, with increases in respiratory and endocrine/metabolic diseases, and decreases in viral hepatitis and cardiovascular disease, with reversals noted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions:

• The Polish Military Blood Donation Service demonstrates effective organization, evidenced by consistent donor numbers and high donation success rates.
• Shifting reasons for disqualification highlight evolving health concerns among potential donors.
• Increased media promotion is recommended to encourage broader participation, particularly among younger demographics.