Variation in blood collection rates in 18 countries

Abstract

Background and objectives: In an attempt to determine how much scope there might be for blood conservation in Canada, the population based rate of blood collection was compared to that in other countries.

Materials and method: Blood collections and population size in 18 countries were obtained from national blood programs directly or by personal contact through on-line sources and national collection rates per million of population calculated.

Results: A greater than twofold difference in per capita collection rates was seen between the highest and lowest figure.

Conclusion: By the wider application of evidence based best practices in blood transfusion and strategies to reduce wastage, there is likely scope for at least some jurisdictions to reduce collection rates.