Blood Transfusion Safety

Every year, there are more than 118.5 million blood donations worldwide. Transfusions of blood and blood products save millions of lives every year. In fact, one blood donation has the potential to save as many as three lives. What’s more, most blood transfusions go to at-risk populations:

• In low-income countries, up to 54% of blood transfusion are given to children under 5 years of age¹
• In high-income countries, the most frequently transfused group is over 60 years of age

A reliable supply of safe blood begins with volunteer blood donors. Screening donated blood further reduces the risk of transfusion-transmissible infections due to pathogens such as the Zika virus, hepatitis B or C, HIV, syphilis, malaria, West Nile Virus, or cytomegalovirus.

Currently, the World Health Organization (WHO)² recommends universal screening for HIV, hepatitis B & C, and syphilis, and regional screening for specific infections such as malaria.

Typically, a single blood donation equals approximately half a litre of blood. If the blood donation is safe for transfusion, it can go to support various indications, such as:

• women with pregnancy and childbirth associated bleeding
• patients with blood and bone marrow disorders
• people with traumatic injuries in emergencies, disasters and accidents
• patients undergoing advanced medical and surgical procedures.