Quality Assurance and Blood Security in Blood Transfusion Practice in Nigeria: A Multi-Centre Study

Abstract

Introduction: Safe Blood is an indispensable resource in preventing morbidity and mortality in modern clinical practice either as supportive or as standalone therapy care. Providing safe blood requires a secured system that is standard in its operations, effectiveness and efficiency. Aim: This study aimed to conduct a baseline audit of the Quality Management System (QMS) and security in the provision of blood transfusion services in some government-owned Tertiary Hospitals (THs) in Nigeria. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out between October 2019 and June 2020. Data was collected from Haematologists or Laboratory Scientists working in the blood bank of the THs using a pretested electronic questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21.0). Results: Fifty THs in Nigeria responded to the survey. Fifty two percent (26/50) of them lack blood transfusion policy. Although 54.0% have blood transfusion committee, only 18.0% have regular meetings. Fifty two percent have National Blood Service Comission (NBSC) Centres in their State and only 16.0% receive regular blood supply from NBSC. The majority (72%) have their blood bank as a separate structure, 68% have no blood component production unit, 50% have no system for validating equipment, 90% have blood inventory system and 88.0% of the THs blood bank do experience materials running out of stock. Conclusion: Majority of the THs lack blood transfusion management system in virtually all the components of quality assurance system.