Rational Use

When?

Doctors and other medical staff should be educated to avoid prescribing inappropriate transfusion. Blood substitutes should be used only when it is appropriate. Simple alternatives to blood, such as crystalloids or colloids, will not transmit infection and can be obtained at a fraction of the cost of whole blood.

One of the reasons, which makes blood supply unsafe is shortage. This shortage can be addressed to a great extent by transfusing blood components instead of whole blood. Wherever whole blood is not needed, the appropriate component should be used.

The underlying reasons for blood transfusion should be addressed. A condition for which blood transfusions are often given is chronic anemia, which results from the lack of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues. Chronic anemia can be caused by malnutrition, slow loss of blood and infection such as malaria. If the root cause of chronic anemia is attacked, we can manage the condition. Another condition where blood is often needed is childbirth-related emergencies. By taking proper care of women before and during delivery, we can decrease the need for transfusion.

Avoid unnecessary transfusion

Transfusion is not always necessary or appropriate. Avoid using single-unit transfusions.

Transfusion increases the risk of transmitting HIV, especially in places where there is no adequate screening of blood. Apart from that, it creates an unavoidable shortage in blood supply. This encourages professional donors to become more active, reducing the safety of the supply. For information regarding WHO's guiding principles for expanding testing and counselling, click here. For information regarding UNAIDS' technical update on counselling and HIV/AIDS, click here. UNAIDS/WHO Policy Statement on HIV Testing What is HIV/AIDS | Transmission | Diagnosis | Symptoms | Treatment Life after HIV | Prevention | Safe Sex Guide | Blood Safety | Frequently Asked Questions