A blood bank is a center where blood collected as a result of blood donation is stored and retained for later use in blood transfusion. The term "blood bank" typically refers to a division of a hospital where blood storage occurs and where appropriate testing is performed (to reduce the risk of transfusion-related adverse events). However, sometimes it refers to a collection center, and in fact some hospitals also perform collection. For blood donor agencies in several countries, see List of blood donor agencies and List of blood donor agencies in the United States.
History
While the first blood transfusions were made directly from the donor to the recipient prior to coagulation, it was discovered that by adding anticoagulant and cooling the blood it was possible to store it for a few days, thus opening the way for the development of blood banks. John Braxton Hicks was the first to experiment with chemical methods to prevent blood clotting at St Mary's Hospital in London in the late 19th century. His attempts, using soda phosphate, however, were unsuccessful.
The first non-direct transfusion was performed on 27 March 1914 by the Belgian doctor Albert Hustin, although it was a diluted solution of blood. Argentine physician Luis Agote used a much less diluted solution in November of the same year. Both used sodium citrate as an anticoagulant.
Collection and processing
In the United States, certain standards are established for the collection and processing of each blood product. "Whole Blood" (WB) is the proper name for a defined product, specifically non-separated venous blood with an approved preservative added. Most blood for transfusion is collected as whole blood. Autologous donations are sometimes transfused without further modification, however, whole blood is typically separated (by centrifugation) into its components, with red blood cells (RBCs) in solution being the most commonly used product. The WB and RBC units are kept refrigerated at a temperature between 33.8 and 42.8 ° F (1.0 and 6.0 ° C), with maximum storage periods (shelf life) of 35 and 42 days, respectively. RBC units can also be frozen when they are buffered with glycerol, but this is a costly and time-consuming process, and is rarely done. Frozen red cells receive an expiration date of up to ten years and are stored at -65 ° C (-85 ° F).
The less dense blood plasma becomes a variety of frozen components, and they are labeled differently depending on when it was frozen and what the intended use of the product is. If the plasma freezes rapidly and is intended for transfusion, it is typically labeled as fresh frozen plasma. If it is intended to be transformed into other products, it is typically labeled as plasma or recovered plasma for fractionation. Cryoprecipitate can be made from other components of the plasma. These components should be stored at 0 ° F (-18 ° C) or colder, but are usually stored at -22 ° F (-30 ° C). The layer between red blood cells and plasma is known as the leukocyte layer and is sometimes removed to produce platelets for transfusion. Platelets are usually grouped prior to transfusion and have a shelf life of 5 to 7 days, or 3 days once the collection facility has completed its testing. Platelets are stored at room temperature (72 ° F or 22 ° C) and shaken / shaken. Because they are stored at room temperature in nutrient solutions, they are at a relatively high risk for bacterial culture.
Some blood banks also collect apheresis products. The most common component collected is plasma through plasmapheresis, but red blood cells and platelets can be collected by similar methods. These products generally have the same storage life and storage conditions as their conventionally produced counterparts. Donors are sometimes paid; In the United States and Europe, most blood for transfusion is collected from volunteers, while plasma for other purposes may be from paid donors.
Most collection facilities as well as hospital blood banks also perform tests to determine the patient's blood type and identify compatible blood products, along with a battery of tests (eg disease) and treatments (eg leukocyte filtration ) To ensure or improve quality. The increasingly recognized problem of inadequate transfusion efficacy is also increasing the profile of the viability and quality of RBCs. In particular, US hospitals spend more on coping with the consequences of transfusion-related complications than on the combined costs of buying, testing / treating and transfusing their blood.
