Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service

The aim of this article is to present the work of the Hungarian National Blood Transfusion Service (HNBTS). In 1998, the service was based on 64 blood centers, all belonging to hospitals. At present, there are 6 regional blood centers and 17 local blood banks with different functions. 13 blood banks primarily deal with the collection of whole blood. 25 hospital blood banks are in contract with the HNBTS regarding the collection of whole blood, but clinical tranfusiological examinations are carried out by only the blood banks. Hospital blood banks operate as clinical transfusiological departments of the respective hospital. Since 1959, the donor population has consisted of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donors from low-risk populations. In 2001, the pharmaceutical GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) regulatory network was integrated into the HNBTS. Due to strict rules and special software, the percentage of out-of-date blood products in Hungary is less than 3%. The HNBTS Headquarters direct and coordinate the blood supply, the distribution and transportation of blood products, the connection between blood banks and hospitals, as well as quality, educational and financial logistics. In the future, we would like to continue the consolidation of the HNBTS to reduce costs and use space and special equipment more effectively.