Emerging infectious diseases and pandemics affect the safety protocols and operations of blood banks directly by prompting hospitals to make stricter screening procedures and novel tests to improve the safety of blood transfusion.

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] (2022), the use of a standard donor screening questionnaire as well as other laboratory tests can reduce the risk of an infectious organism being transmitted via blood transfusion. However, this may not be enough to screen for emerging pathogens.

Which is why according to Cardoso, M. et al. (2023) novel methods have been implemented globally to prevent transmission transmissible infections (TTIs) via plasma, platelets, and whole blood products. Implementation of proactive pathogen reduction methods may reduce the likelihood of disease transmission spread via blood transfusions, even for newly emerging infectious agents whose transmissibility and susceptibility are still being evaluated as they emerge.

References:

Cardoso, M., Ragan, I., Hartson, L., and Goodrich, R. (2023). Emerging Pathogen Threats in Transfusion Medicine: Improving Safety and Confidence with Pathogen Reduction Technologies. Article Emerging Pathogen Threats in Transfusion Medicine: Improving...

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Blood Safety. https://www.cdc.gov/bloodsafety/bbp/diseases-organisms.html#:~:text=The%20use%20of%20a%20standard,reduce%20the%20risk%20of%20TTIs.

Ensuring the safety and availability of blood during developing infectious illnesses and pandemics has been a significant worry for blood banks and transfusion services since it is anticipated to have a negative impact on the operations of the blood system. (Riyami, 2021).

The extent of alterations in blood circulation is contingent upon the organizational structure of the blood supply system and the sources of blood, which differ among the countries in the region. Several factors can have an adverse effect on the number of blood donors during a viral pandemic. The shutdown of traditional sources of voluntary blood donors, such as universities, have had an impact. External factors such as social isolation and lockdown measures can impede the availability of blood services, and potential blood donors may be reluctant to attend blood banks due to concerns about getting the virus. Organizations may also be reluctant to hold donation drives in order to mitigate the transmission of the virus within the community. Donors may get unwell or prioritize their caregiving duties, which might lead to their removal from the pool of potential donors. Blood service providers should reevaluate their approaches to preparing and managing the blood supply in anticipation of future crises, taking into account the insights gained from this epidemic. Developing solutions to effectively manage blood supply shortfalls while prioritizing the safety of recipients, donors, and personnel is of utmost importance. Furthermore, it is imperative to provide education to the general people regarding the scientific precautions associated with attending blood donation sessions. It is crucial to collaborate with other blood services and institutions. The government must recognize the fundamental need to preserve this vital healthcare service and establish a strong emergency and disaster strategy to tackle issues related to blood supply. Countries with lower and moderate incomes, as well as those experiencing humanitarian situations and conflicts, are likely to face more challenges due to their limited resources.

References:

Riyami, A. (February 2021). The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on blood supplies and transfusion services in Eastern Mediterranean Region. Transfusion Clinique et Biologique. 28(1), 16-24. Article The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on blood supplies and transf...