Hospital Blood Bank

The Hospital Blood Bank (HBB) is a strategic unit of the National Cancer Institute that has been operating since 1962 and ensures the organization of transfusion care for the Institute’s patients.

The hospital blood bank orders and receives blood or its components from the Blood Center of the National Specialized Hospital “OKHMATDYT”, stores and distributes them, and ensures control over immunohematological tests before transfusions.

What exactly does a hospital blood bank do?

1. It calculates the need for blood for the institution. Specialists of the hospital blood bank analyze how much and what kind of blood components (red blood cells, platelets, plasma) may be needed in medical departments for transfusion to patients, based on the volume of use in the previous period.
2. Stores components at appropriate temperature conditions. Different types of blood components require different storage conditions.
3. Controls the shelf life and quality of blood components in storage.
4. Manages inventory. Since the shelf life of components is limited, the components with the nearest expiration date are issued first.
5. Issues components at the request of medical departments.
6. Ensures tracking of each unit of blood component issued and possible adverse reactions in patients.

Why is a hospital blood bank important?

1. Rescue in case of emergencies. Massive blood loss during surgery requires a quick transfusion. Having a stock in the hospital blood bank ensures that the right blood component is available here and now.
2. Complex surgical interventions. They are often accompanied by significant blood loss, and it is important for surgeons to be sure that they have prepared and tested blood components.
3. Helping patients with blood diseases. Anemia, leukemia, thrombocytopenia require regular transfusions during treatment.
4. Support for cancer patients. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy suppress blood formation. Transfusions help to avoid dangerous complications.
5. Plasma helps to restore fluid loss and support blood clotting.

A hospital blood bank is a rapid response center that directly affects the health and lives of patients. That is why its presence is essential for the effective operation of a modern medical facility.