부산대학교 도서관

Background/Case Studies: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic disrupted the global blood supply. Low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) already experienced blood supply deficits that preceded the pandemic. We sought to characterize the challenges experienced during the pandemic, and adaptations, such as COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP). Study Design/Methods: A cross‐sectional survey explored blood availability, challenges, and adaptations. The survey contained 31 questions, e‐mailed in English, French, or Spanish, to selected LMIC blood transfusion practitioners. Data acquisition occurred between October 28 and December 28, 2020. A mixed methods analysis followed. Results/Findings A total of 31 responses from 111 invitations represented 26 LMIC countries. Languages included English (22, 71%), Spanish (7, 22.6%), and French (2, 6.4%). Most respondents (29/31, 93.5%) collected blood; 58% also transfused blood (18/31). The supply of blood came from hospital‐based blood donations (61%, 11/18); blood suppliers (17%, 3/18); and both sources (22%, 4/18). Collectively, 77.4% (24/31) of respondents experienced a decline in blood availability, ranging from 10% to 50%. Contributing factors included public fear of COVID‐19 (21/24); stay‐at‐home measures (18/24); logistics (14/24); and canceled blood drives (16/24). Adaptations included increased collaboration within and between institutions (17/27), donor eligibility changes (21/31); social media or phone promotion (22/39); and replacement donation (3/27). Fifteen of 31 responses reported CCP donation (48.4%); CCP transfusion occurred in 6 (19.4%). The primary barrier was engaging recovered patients for donation (7/15). Conclusion: Our survey describes challenges experienced by LMIC blood systems during the COVID‐19 pandemic. While the decline in blood supplies was severe, adaptive measures included collaboration, outreach, and CCP programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]