Blood Res.  2013 Jun;48(2):139-144. 10.5045/br.2013.48.2.139.

Performance review of the National Blood Safety Improvement Project in Korea (2004-2009)

• Kim S
• Kim HO
• Kim MJ
• Lee SW
• Shin YH
• Choi YS
• Lee DH

• KMID: 2172913
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5045/br.2013.48.2.139

Abstract

BACKGROUND
In 2004, the Korean government and blood transfusion community deliberated on the issue of a national blood system reform and agreed to implement a 5-year project (2004-2009) to further improve safety measures. Our study delineates the basis of the current national blood program and analyzes the performance of this 5-year project initiated by the Korean government.
METHODS
A performance review of the 5-year project was conducted from May 2009 to February 2010 using various approaches. Numerous data and documentation were collected from the Korean Red Cross and the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reviewed by experts. Approximately 20 interviews with representatives of stakeholder groups were conducted to gather information, opinions, and perceptions. We conducted a nationwide field survey on a total of 144 blood donor centers.
RESULTS
Among the 5 major categories of the 5-year project, blood donor recruitment, laboratory testing, and product manufacturing were improved in terms of quality performance. Specifically, government's financial support ensured that the infrastructure of blood donor centers and blood laboratory centers improved. The pivotal role of the government contributed to improvements in the national blood program and enhanced national surveillance for blood safety.
CONCLUSION
Korea has made a tremendous effort with positive outcomes to provide safety measures for blood products for transfusion in its citizens. In all areas of blood management, from blood donations to transfusions, continuous developments in monitoring safety standards and practices are paramount.

Keyword

Blood safety; Improvement project; Quality performance

MeSH Terms

Blood Donors
Blood Safety
Blood Transfusion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.)
Financial Support
Humans
Korea
Red Cross

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Structure of the national blood program in Korea.

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  Fig. 2 The changes in the number of donations and donation rate.

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  Fig. 3 The changes in the number of presenting donors and deferred donors and the donor deferral rate in the past 27 years.

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  Fig. 4 The shift in the number of donations from group donors to individual donors.

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  Fig. 5 The location of the 3 blood laboratory centers.

Reference

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3. Cho JE. National blood management system and the direction of government policy in Korea. Korean J Hematol. 2010; 45:81–83. PMID: 21120182.