Blood safety in developing countries

This study, based on responses to a questionnaire, was undertaken to define problems in and formulate solutions for improving blood safety in developing countries as part of an effort to monitor the status of blood transfusion services globally. Despite improvements between 1988 and 1992, only 66% of developing countries (DGCs) and 46% of least developed countries (LDCs) screen all blood donations for antibodies to human immunodeficiency viruses; 72% DGCs and 35% LDCs test all donations for hepatitis B surface antigen and 71 and 48%, respectively, for syphilis. The antihuman globulin test is performed routinely in 62% DGCs and 23% LDCs, and inadequate quality assurance in all aspects of preparatory testing is a major weakness in many countries. The blood supply is usually insufficient: none of the LDCs and 9% of the DGCs collect 30 units or more per 1,000 of the population annually. Blood donor systems are totally voluntary and non-remunerated in 15% DGCs and 7% LDCs; 80% DGCs and 93% LDCs rely totally or partially on replacement donors and 25% of both groups on paid donations. The proportion of repeat donors is low (medians: 47% in DGCs, 20% in LDCs), and discard rates for collected blood are often high (up to 33%). Most of the blood collected is transfused as whole blood, and most DGCs and LDCs have inadequate supplies of plasma substitutes for management of acute haemorrhage. The reasons for these problems and suggested solutions are discussed.