Abstract

HAEMOVIGILANCE AND TRANSFUSION SAFETY

Emilin Scaria, Sowparnika Treasa Sabu* and Prof. Dr. Shaiju S. Dharan

Abstract

Background: Blood transfusion play an important role in improving the health and save lives. Haemovigilance system is an important programme which ensures the transfusion safety. It is a process continuously involed in the collection and analysis of data regarding with transfusion related adverse events or reactions with the aim of identifying their causes and outcomes and prevent their occurrence or recurrence. Thus improving the quality and safety of transfusion therapy is the ultimate object of haemovigilance system. Method: Previously published articles relating haemovigilance and its transfusion safety have been collected and reviewed. Observation: Haemovigilance is a continuous process of data collection and analysis of transfusion –related adverse reactions in order to investigate their causes and outcomes, and prevent their further incidence. The well established haemovigilance systems of various countries have provided insight into various measures based on their data. Such systems would definitely improve blood safety. Haemovigilance is thus a tool to improve the quality of the blood transfusion chain, primarily focusing on safety. Haemovigilance will aid in preventing undesired reactions to blood donation and during the course of the transfusion chain.

Keywords: Haemovigilance, Transfusion safety.