Structure and Commitments Blood Supply Systems and Organization

Abstract

The dramatic life-saving properties of blood transfusions cannot be more forcefully emphasised than in those situations that arise as a result of conflicts and trauma. The two world wars served as potent forces in promoting blood transfusion services, first as a military necessity and then as a public need as an important part of clinical medicine. Blood and its constituent components were identified and put to good use as technologies emerged not only in the area of immunohaematology, diagnostic testing and component production but in the collection systems. With the advent of plastic blood bag systems and additive solutions as well as technologies for apheresis blood and components utilization increased dramatically. Sterility, storage, transport and pharmaceutically prepared products all were improved. Voluntarism for blood donation was easily promoted during years of conflict and recognition of the benefits of voluntary non-remunerated blood donation were quickly recognised and strengthened in subsequent years of post-war hardships in the period of reconstruction.