The Status of the Korea Blood Inventory Monitoring System, 2009~2012

Oh, Jin A; Shin, Jee Yeon; Lee, Kyoung Yul; Jeong, Kyeong Eun; Seo, Cho Rong; Choi, Young Sill; Lee, Dong Han

Abstract

BACKGROUND
In the Republic of Korea, due to the low birth rate, blood donation is expected to decrease. However, the demand for blood is increasing as the proportion of elderly has increased. Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention operate the Korea Blood Inventory Monitoring System (KBIMs) for detection and response to the shortage of blood. The aim of this study was to show the trend of blood supply monitored by KBIMs.
METHODS
This study analyzed the red blood cell inventory ratio, average daily usage, time-lag from blood donation to transfusion and from receipt to transfusion in blood banks monitored by KBIMs from 2009 to 2012.
RESULTS
A total of 25 hospitals have participated in KBIMs since 2009. The average inventory ratio of blood banks was 5.3 days. By month, the inventory ratio was highest between November and February; and by week, highest on Fridays. Daily amount of RBC utilized in hospitals peaked on Thursday by week. Time-lag from blood donation to transfusion and from receipt to transfusion in blood banks was 12.2 and 6.4 days, respectively. The inventory ratio of type-A RBC was the lowest, because of the highest level of demand. In addition, time-lags from blood donation to transfusion and from receipt to transfusion were shortest in type-A RBC.
CONCLUSION
The inventory ratio in blood banks monitored by KBIMs was stable throughout the years. However, due to higher level of demand, there is a risk of shortage of type-A RBC.