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Blood service in the Tibetan regions of Garzê and Aba, China: a longitudinal survey
Author(s) -
Wang Y.,
Wu Z.,
Yin Y. H.,
Rao S. Q.,
Liu B.,
Huang X. Q.,
Liu X. X.,
Li W. H.,
Ye S. L.,
Li S. Y.,
Yu X. C.,
Wu D. R.,
Xu J.,
Wang Z. K.,
Zhang R.,
Li C. Q.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
transfusion medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1365-3148
pISSN - 0958-7578
DOI - 10.1111/tme.12468
Subject(s) - medicine , mainland china , china , disease , government (linguistics) , blood transfusion , blood donor , service (business) , environmental health , public health , business , geography , surgery , nursing , immunology , marketing , linguistics , philosophy , archaeology
Summary Background Garzê and Aba form the second largest Tibetan‐inhabited area of China. Blood services have never been reported for this region before. Objective To assess the current situation and analyse whether a safe and adequate blood supply has been developed in both Garzê and Aba. Methods We conducted a longitudinal survey covering the period 2011–2016. The subjects of interest were recruited from non‐remunerated voluntary donation, blood testing, clinical transfusion practices and infrastructure of local blood service systems. Results The donation rate and blood collection volume were below the average levels of both the Sichuan Province and mainland China. Component therapy was widely used, but inappropriate usage of whole blood existed. A lack of national specific standards for people on the plateaus led to local blood transfusions being conducted without full clinical assessment. Endemic and frequently occurring disease, such as hydatid disease and gastrointestinal disease, were inevitable risks for blood utilisation and safety. The potential influence of religious belief and traditions, like ‘male‐leaving marriages’, of Tibetans on donor recruitment and blood safety requires further research. Conclusions A relatively safe and complete blood service system has been developed in this region. However, there is still an urgent need for comprehensive and effective support from the government in terms of policies and finance. As an epidemic area of hydatid disease and sexually transmitted disease, this region needs to emphasise public health measures, such as blood safety and inappropriate usage of blood products.