Determination of Proper Blood Supply in COVID-19 Pandemic for the National Cancer Institute

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer regular blood donors have precipitated blood shortagesupply to the blood bank unit of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Objective: To assess blood supply and bloodcomponents utilization of NCI during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify, based on the assessment, the contingencyplan and policy on efficiently maintaining adequate blood supply for cancer patients in time of blood shortage crisisduring the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The retrospective data of NCI’s blood supply and blood componentsutilization by each blood type, including A, B, and O, were collected from January to December 2021 (1 year period).The average daily usage was calculated in order to estimate the required units of blood and blood products, whichincluded a stock of red cells products and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for seven days of usage, platelet supply forthree-day use, and cryoprecipitate supply for one-year use. An additional 10 percent of each blood product werealso calculated for emergency needs. Results: The study revealed that blood products that were commonly usedwere 4,862 units of red blood cells, 4,428 units of FFP, 430 units of platelets, 240 units of cryoprecipitate, andRh negative 10 units, respectively. The findings also recommended that in the blood bank, the required stocks ofblood units and blood components of group A, B, O, and AB were as followed: 34, 43, 48, and 20 units of red bloodcells; 43, 55, 55, and 25 units of FFP; 8, 7, 7 and 5 units of platelets; and 50 units of cryoprecipitate. Conclusion: The recommended level of blood component inventory from this study was considered the appropriate amountof blood storage that the blood bank unit of NCI should maintain to ensure adequate blood supply in both normaland crisis situation, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, that caused insufficient blood supply in the institute.