DRAFT NABH BBStandards 3rdedition

NOTICE

Comments are invited on Draft Accreditation standards on Blood

Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services, 3rd edition
Seeking comments/feedback from stakeholders on Draft Accreditation
standards on Blood Bank/ Blood Centre and Transfusion Services
3rd edition, (Last date for sending comments is 30th June 2016). The
comments may kindly be sent to Dr. Anil Kumar, National Accreditation
Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH), Quality Council of
India, at email id: [email protected]
Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

ACCREDITATION STANDARDS ON
BLOOD BANKS/ BLOOD CENTRES AND
TRANSFUSION SERVICES
Third Edition, June 2016
NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD FOR

HOSPITALS AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
ii
No part of these publications may be reproduced in any form without the prior permission in
writing of NABH/Quality Council of India
iii
FOREWORD
There is no other fluid, which can totally substitute blood in the human body. Blood
contains nutrients along with oxygen in adequate quantities and helps in maintaining a
balanced temperature of the body. In many cases transfusion of blood or blood
components becomes necessary to save the life of an individual. Therefore we need to
have a network of blood banks/ blood centres. The blood stored in blood banks/ blood
centres should be pure, safe and free from contamination.The collection and storage of
blood/ blood components is done by blood banks/ blood centres attached to hospitals.
Voluntary agencies and private sector blood banks/ blood centres also provide this
service. The process is controlled through regulation which to great extent is
responsible to ensure purity of blood and blood products.
The accreditation programme by NABH strives to maintain the quality and safety of
blood and blood products. The accreditation programme assesses the quality and
operational systems in place within the facility before accreditation is awarded.
The basis for assessment of blood banks/ blood centres includes compliance with the
accreditation standards and guidelines set by National AIDS Control Organisation
(NACO).
The independent assessment under accreditation helps the facility to prepare
comprehensively for regulatory requirements as well as accreditation standards. It
ensures safety as well as quality culture within the facility. Accreditation is granted for
collection, processing, testing, distribution and administration of blood and blood
components.
The accreditation standards have been prepared by the technical committee constituted
by NABH. The standards are a dynamic document and shall be kept up-dated as
required.
For information on accreditation programme and related aspects, please contact NABH
at [email protected].
iii
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Sl.
Contents
Terms and definitions
1-5
Organisation and Management
6-7
1.1
Legal identity
1.2
Responsibility
1.3
Ethics in blood bank/ blood centre
1.4
Management system
1.5
Policies, processes and procedures
Accommodation and environment

2.1
Page No.
8 - 10
Space allocation
2.1.1
Location and surroundings
2.1.2
Accommodation of blood bank/ blood centre
2.1.3
Processing of blood component from whole blood by a

blood bank/ blood centre
2.1.4
Plasmapheresis, Plateletpheresis and Leucapheresis
2.1.5
Blood donation camp
2.2
Environment Control
10
2.3
Biological, Chemical and Radiation Safety
10
2.4
Internal Communication System
10
Personnel
11 - 13
3.1
Personnel requirement
11
3.2
Qualification
11
3.2.1
Medical Director/ In-Charge/ Medical Officer
11
3.2.2
Blood bank/ blood centre technician(s)
11
3.2.3
Registered Nurse(s)
11
3.2.4
Technical Supervisor
12
3.3
Job description/ responsibilities
12
3.4
Responsibilities of Medical Director/ In-charge/ Medical Officer,

Technical Manager and Quality Manager
12
3.5
Training
13
3.6
Competence
13
3.7
Personnel health
13
3.8
Personnel records
13
3.9
Confidentiality of information
13
Equipment
14 - 16
4.1
Equipment requirement
14
4.2
Selection and validation of equipment
14
4.3
Use of equipment
14
4.4
Equipment detail record, unique identification
14
4.5
Programme for calibration and maintenance of equipment
15
4.6
Equipment for storage of blood and component
15
4.7
Computer system
16
4.8
Breakdown of equipment
16
External Services and supplies
17 - 18
5.1
Policies and procedures for suppliers selection
17
5.2
Inventory control
17
5.3
Evaluation of suppliers
18
Process Control
6.1
6.2
19 - 52
Policies and validation of processes and procedures
19
6.1.1
Traceability of blood unit and sample from blood collection

to issue blood
19
6.1.2
Standard procedure
19
Written procedure
20
New procedures/ changes and validation
20
Donor laboratory
20
6.2.1
Blood donation
20
6.2.1.1
Donor recruitment
20
6.2.1.2
Pre-donation counseling
21
6.2.1.3
Donor registration, consent and selection
21
Donor registration
21
Consent
21
Criteria for selection of donors
21
Donation interval
22
Phlebotomy procedure
22
6.2.1.4
vi
6.2.2
General
22
Method of preparation of phlebotomy site
23
Equipment and blood bag
23
Anticoagulant solutions
23
Additive solution
23
Volume
23
Duration of blood collection
23
6.2.1.5
Post donation care
24
6.2.1.6
Adverse donor reaction management
24
6.2.1.7
Blood donation camp/ drives
24
6.2.1.8
Procedure for autologous blood collection

(predeposite)
24
6.2.1.9
Donor notification of abnormal findings, test

result and counselling
24
Information of test results
24
Donor notification
referral)
donor
and
(Counselling
donors
and
25
blood/
25
6.2.1.10
Records of
components
6.2.1.11
Therapeutic plasmapheresis and cytapheresis
26
Handling of samples and blood units
27
6.2.2.1
Samples for laboratory tests
27
6.2.2.2
Identification and traceability
27
Blood unit identification
27
Traceability
27
6.2.2.3
6.3
Transportation
27
Component Laboratory
28
6.3.1
Sterility
28
6.3.2
Seal
28
6.3.3
Preparation of components
28
Red blood cells components
28
Platelet concentrate (random donor platelets)
29
Granulocyte concentrate
30
Plasma
30
Single donor cryoprecipitate (cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor)
30
vii

f
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
Donor apheresis
30
Quarantine and Storage
31
6.4.1
Refrigerator and freezers for storage
31
6.4.2
Quarantine and storage
32
Labelling
34
6.5.1
Labelling for whole blood/ component
34
6.5.2
Instructions for transfusion
35
6.5.3
Special requirements for component label
35
Testing of Donated Blood
35
6.6.1
Determination of ABO group
35
6.6.2
Determination of Rh(D) type
35
6.6.3
Determination of unexpected antibodies
36
6.6.4
Test for Transfusion Transmitted Infection
36
6.6.4.1
Screening for HIV antibody
36
6.6.4.2
Test for Viral Hepatitis
36
6.6.4.3
Test for Syphilis
36
6.6.4.4
Test for Malaria
36
Compatibility Testing
37
6.7.1
Request for blood and its components
37
6.7.2
Sample receiving, acceptance and preservation
37
6.7.3
Pre-transfusion testing
38
6.7.3.1
Testing of recipient blood
38
6.7.3.2
Repeat testing of donor blood
38
6.7.4
Issue of blood and its component
39
6.7.4.1
Issue of blood
39
6.7.4.2
Re-issue of blood
40
6.7.4.3
Urgent requirement of blood
40
6.7.4.4
Selection of
transfusion
6.7.4.5
Massive transfusion
41
6.7.4.6
Neonates
41
6.7.5
Records of recipient
42
6.7.6
Transfusion related advices (for clinicians)
42
6.7.6.1
Informed consent
42
6.7.6.2
Identification of recipient and donor unit
43
blood
and
components
for
40
viii
6.8
6.7.6.3
Supervision
43
6.7.6.4
Administration of blood and blood component
43
6.7.6.5
Guidelines for transfusion practices
43
6.7.6.6
Special considerations for use of components
44
Red cells transfusion
44
Fresh frozen plasma
44
Cryoprecipitate
44
Single donor plasma
44
Platelets and leucocytes
44
Irradiation
45
Transfusion Reaction and Evaluation
46
6.8.1
Error prevention
46
6.8.2
Immediate complication
46
6.8.3
Delayed complications
47
6.8.4
Detection, reporting & evaluation of transfusion reaction
47
6.9
Documentation in Transfusion Service
47
6.10
Histocompatibility Testing
48
6.11
Quality Control
48
6.11.1
ABO and anti-D reagents
48
6.11.2
Reagent red blood cells
49
6.11.3
Red cell panel
49
6.11.4
Anti-human globulin reagent
49
6.11.5
Bovine serum albumin
49
6.11.6
Enzyme reagents
49
6.11.7
Hepatitis B antigen, anti-HCV and anti-HIV 1 & 2 test
50
6.11.8
Test for Syphilis
50
6.11.9
Normal saline and buffered solutions
50
6.11.10
Blood component
50
6.12
Proficiency Testing Programme
50
6.13
Bio-medical waste disposal and laboratory safety in blood bank/

blood centre
51
6.13.1
Protection of blood bank/ blood centre personnel against

laboratory infection
51
6.13.2
Safety in the laboratory
51
6.13.3
Disposal of blood and laboratory material
51
ix
10
11
Identification of Deviations and Adverse Events
53
7.1
Policies and procedures when non-conformity is detected
53
7.2
Procedures for release of non-conforming blood component
53
7.3
Preventing recurrence of non-conformity
53
Performance Improvement
54
8.1
Addressing complaints
54
8.2
Corrective action
54
8.2.1
Root cause analysis
54
8.2.2
Implementation and monitoring changes resulting from

corrective action
54
8.2.3
Documentation of corrective action
54
8.3
Preventive action
54
8.4
Continuous quality improvement
55
Document Control
56 57
9.1
Procedure for document control and review of documents
56
9.2
Document required
56
9.3
Maintenance of documents in computer software
57
Record
58
10.1
Record identification
58
10.2
Quality and technical records
58
10.3
Record retaining period
58
Internal Audit and Management Review
59
11.1
Policy for internal audit and management review
59
11.2
Procedure of internal audit
59
11.3
Procedure of management review
59
11.4
Documentation of internal audit and management review
59
Annexure A: Requirements for Storage, Transportation and Expiration
60 - 62
Annexure B: Requirements for Allogeneic Donor Qualification
63 - 68
Annexure C: Requirements of Apheresis Donor Qualification
69 - 70
Annexure D: Quality Control
71 - 79
Frequency of testing for reagent and solution
71

2
Quality control of reagent red blood cells
71
Quality control of ABO reagent (anti-A, anti-B, and anti-AB)
71
Acceptable titre and avidity of ABO reagents
72
Quality acceptable of Rh anti sera (Anti-D)
72
Acceptable titre and avidity of anti-D in anti-Rh (D) reagent
73
Acceptable quality of anti-globulin reagent
73
Quality control of proteases (Enzymes)
74
Quality control of 22% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)
74
10
Quality control of normal saline
74
11
Quality control of distilled water
75
12
Quality control of whole blood
75
13
Quality control of red cell concentrate (prepared from 450 ml blood)
75
14a
Quality control of red cell in preservative solution prepared from 450

ml whole blood (ADSOL/ SAGM)
76
14b
Quality control of red cell in preservative solution prepared from 350

ml whole blood (ADSOL/ SAGM)
76
15
Quality control of Leucocytes-poor red cells
76
16
Quality control of platelet concentrate prepared from 350/ 450 ml of

whole blood
76
17
Quality control of platelet concentrate prepared from buffy coat
77
18
Quality of platelet concentrate by apheresis
77
19
Quality control of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)
78
20
Quality control of cryoprecipitate (Factor-VIII)
78
21
Quality control of plasma (Frozen)
78
22
Quality control of granulocytes
78
Annexure E: Records
80 - 81
Annexure F: Good Manufacturing Practice (GMPs)/ Standard Operating

Procedures (SOPs)
82 - 83
Annexure G: List of Equipments available in Blood Bank/ Blood centre
84 - 85
Annexure H: Calibration Frequency for Equipments
86 - 87
References
88
xi
xii
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this document, the terms and definitions are given as follows
Accuracy of measurement: Closeness of the agreement between the result of a measurement
and a true value of the measurand.
Agreement: A contract, order, or understanding between two or more parties, such as between
a facility and one of its customers.
Agreement review: Systematic activities carried out before finalizing the agreement to ensure
that requirements are adequately defined, free from ambiguity, documented, and achievable.
Apheresis: The process, by which blood drawn from a donor, after separating desired plasma
or cellular component, is returned simultaneously to the same donor.
Autologous blood: The blood drawn from the patient/ recipient for re-transfusion into him/ her
later on.
Biological reference interval: Central 95% interval of the distribution of reference values.
Blood: Includes whole human blood, drawn from a donor and mixed with an anti-coagulant.
Blood bank/ blood centre: A place/ organisation/ unit/ institution or other arrangements made
by any such organisation, unit or institution for carrying out all or any of the operations for
collection, apheresis, storage, processing and distribution of blood drawn from donors and/ or
for preparation, storage and distribution of blood components.
In-Charge or Director of blood bank/ blood centre: Competent person (s) with responsibility
for, and authority over, a Blood bank/ Blood centre.
Blood bank/ blood centre Management: Person (s) who manages the activity of a Blood
bank/ Blood centre headed by a blood bank/ blood centre director.
Blood component: A drug, prepared, obtained, derived or separated from a unit of blood drawn
from a donor.
Blood product: A drug manufactured or obtained from pooled plasma of blood drawn from
donors by fractionation.
Closed system: A system, the contents of which are not exposed to air or outside elements
during preparation and separation of components.
Collection facility: A facility that collects blood, components or tissue from a donor.
Competence: Ability of an individual to perform a specific task according to procedure
Conformance: Fulfilment of requirements. Requirements may be defined by customers,
practice standards, regulatory agencies, or law.

Corrective action: An activity performed to eliminate the cause of an existing nonconformance, or other undesirable situation in order to prevent recurrence.
Customer/ recipient: The receiver of a product or service. A customer may be internal (i.e.,
another department within the same organization) or external (i.e., another organization).
Disaster: An event (internal, local, or national) that can affect the blood supply or the safety of
staff, patient/ recipients, volunteers, and donors.
Document (noun): Written or electronically generated information and work instructions.
Examples of documents include quality manuals, procedures, or forms.
Document (verb): To capture information for use in documents through writing or electronic
media.
Drug: All medicines for internal or external use of human beings and all substances intended to
be used for or in the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of any disease or disorder in
human beings including preparations applied on human body.
Equipment: A durable item, instrument, or device used in a process or procedure.
Event: A generic term used to encompass the terms incident, error, and accident.
Executive management: The highest level personnel within an organization, who have
responsibility for the operations of the organization and who have the authority to establish or
change the organizations quality policy. Executive management may be an individual or a
group of individuals.
Incident: An unplanned deviation from a facilitys established policy, process or procedure.
Label: An inscription affixed to a unit of blood, component, tissue, derivative, or sample for
identification.
Labelling: Information that is required or selected to accompany a unit of blood, component,
tissue, derivative or sample, which may include content, identification, description of processes,
storages requirements, expiration date, cautionary statements or indications for use.
Laboratory: Laboratory for the biological, microbiological, immunological, serological,
immunohaematological, haematological, or other examination of materials derived from the
human body for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, pretransfusion check and treatment of disease in, or assessment of the health of, human beings,
and which may provide a consultant advisory service covering all aspects of laboratory
investigation including the interpretation of results and advice on further appropriate
investigation.
Leucapheresis: The process by which the blood drawn from a donor, after leucocyte
concentrate have been separated, is re-transfused simultaneously into the said donor.
Maintain: To keep in the current state.

Material: A good or supply item used in the manufacturing process. Materials are a type of input
product. Reagents are a type of material.
Measurement: Set of operation having the object of determining a value or a quantity.
Non-conformance: Failure to meet requirement.
Open system: A system, the contents of which are exposed to air and out side elements during
preparation and separation of components.
Organization: An institution, or part thereof that has its own functions and executive
management.
Plasmapheresis: The process by which the blood drawn from a donor, after plasma has been
separated, is re-transfused during the same sitting into the said donor
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell (PBSC): The stem cell is the most immature cell in the bone
marrow. Most of the stem cells are found in the bone marrow. There are also a few stem cells in
the blood. These are called peripheral blood stem cells.
Peripheral Blood Stem Cell collection: It is a procedure that uses cell separator machine
(Apheresis) and separates and collects one type of white blood cells- called a mononuclear cellfrom the blood. Except for a small number of red cells, the machine returns all the blood to the
donor/ patient/ recipient.
Plateletpheresis: The process by which the blood drawn from a donor, after platelet
concentrates have been separated, is re-transfused simultaneously into the said donor.
Policy: A documented general principle that guides present and future decisions.
Pre-donation procedures: It includes the mandatory process and activity done before
proceeding with bleeding the donor.
Post donation procedures: All the activities, procedures and instructions carried out after
bleeding the donor.
Preventive action: An action taken to reduce the potential for non-conformance or other
undesirable situations.
Primary sample/ Specimen: Set of one or more parts initially taken from a system
Note: in some places, the term specimen is used instead of primary sample (or a sub sample
of it), which is the sample prepared for sending to, or as received by, the blood bank/ blood
centre or laboratory and which are intended for examination.
Procedure: A series of tasks usually performed by one person according to instructions.
Process: A set of related tasks and activities that accomplish a work goal, through
transformation of inputs into outputs.

Process Control: The efforts to standardize and control processes in order to produce
predictable output, and meets standards and minimises variation.
Product: A tangible result of a process or procedure.
Professional donor: A person who donates blood for a valuable consideration, in cash or kind,
from any source, on behalf of the recipient-patient/ recipient and includes a paid donor or a
commercial donor.
Proficiency testing: The structured evaluation of laboratory methods that assesses the
suitability of processes, procedures, equipment, materials, and personnel.
Quality: Characteristics of a unit of blood, component, tissue, derivative, sample, critical
material, or service that bear on its ability to meet requirements, including those defined during
agreement review.
Management system: The organizational structure, responsibilities, policies, processes,
procedures, and recourses established by executive management to achieve quality.
Quality Management System: The organisational structure, processes, or procedures
necessary to ensure that overall outcome and direction of an organisations quality programme
is met and the quality of the product or service is ensured. This includes strategic planning,
allocation of necessary resources, and other systemic activities such as quality planning,
implementation and constant evaluation.
Quality Assurance: Activities involving quality planning, control, assessment, reporting and
improvements necessary to monitor progress towards changing quality standards and
requirements.
Quality indicators: Measurable aspects of process outcomes that provide indication of the
condition or direction of performance over a period of time and progress towards stated quality
goals or objectives.
Qualification: Demonstration that an entity is capable of fulfilling specified requirements and
verification of attributes that must be met or complied with in order that a person or a thing is
considered fit for performing a particular function.
Quality control: Testing routinely performed on materials and equipment, product, and services
to ensure their proper function.
Quantity: Attribute of a phenomenon, body or substance that may be distinguished qualitatively
and determine quantitatively.
Quarantine: To isolate untested/ inconclusive or results pending confirmation including blood,
components, tissue, derivatives, or materials to prevent their distribution or use.
Reference standards: Reference standards define how or within what parameters an activity
shall be performed and are more detailed than management system requirements.
Replacement donor: A donor who is a family friend or a relative of the patient/ recipient.

Sample: One or more parts taken from a system and intended to provide information on the
system, often to serve as a basis for decision on the system or its production.
Supplier: An activity that provides an input material or service.
Supplier qualification: An evaluation method designed to ensure that input materials and
services (e.g. material, blood components, tissue and derivatives, patient/ recipient blood
samples) obtained from a supplier meet specified requirements.
Traceability: Property of the result of a measurement or the volume of a standard whereby it
can be related to stated references, usually national or international standards, through an
unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertainties.
Transfusion service: A facility that performs one or more of the following activities:
compatibility testing, storage, selection, and issuing of blood and components to intended
recipients. Transfusion services do not necessarily collect blood or process whole blood into
components.
True positive: A positive result on both the initial test and the confirmatory test.
Trueness of measurement: Closeness of agreement between the average values obtained
from a large series of results of measurements and a true value.
Uncertainty of measurement: Parameter associated with the result of a measurement that
characterised the dispersion of the values that could reasonably be attributed to the
measurement.
Unit: A container of blood or one of its components in a suitable volume of anticoagulant
obtained from a collection of blood from one donor.
Validation: Establishing recorded evidence that provides a high degree of assurance that a
specific process will consistently produce an outcome, meeting its predetermined specifications
and quality attributes.
Verification: Confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that specified
requirements has been met.
Voluntary (non-remunerated) blood donor: A person who voluntarily donates blood after he/
she has been declared fit after a medical examination, for donating blood, on fulfilling the criteria
given hereinafter, without accepting in return any consideration in cash or kind from any source,
but does not include a professional or a paid donor.
1.
ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT
1.1
Legal identity
1.1.1
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a valid licence from Regulatory Authorities, as
applicable or the blood bank/ blood centre shall have applied for renewal of the licence
in time as per existing regulations.
1.1.2
The organisation under which the blood bank/ blood centre functions shall be legally
identifiable.
1.2
Responsibility
1.2.1
An organization chart (organogram) shall be defined.The organization chart of the

blood bank/ blood centre shall show linkage with the parent organization as applicable.
1.2.2
Where the blood bank/ blood centre is a part of a larger organization the director/in
charge shall be empowered by the head of the institution to deploy the quality
management system.
1.2.3
It is the responsibility of management to operate blood bank/ blood centre and

transfusion services, make changes in it whenever required and comply with these
standards and applicable laws and regulation.
1.2.4
The responsibilities of personnel working in blood bank/ blood centre with an

involvement or influence on functioning shall be clearly defined in order to identify
conflict of interest.
1.3
Ethics in blood bank/ blood centre
1.3.1
The blood bank/ blood centre personnel shall be bound by the ethical code of their
respective profession, which have to be observed. Personnel responsible for the
management of blood bank/ blood centre should accept that, as with other health
professionals, they could have responsibilities over and above the minimum required
by law.
1.3.2
A blood bank/ blood centre shall need to determine acceptable practice that is
appropriate for their own situation and incorporate the detail in their quality manual.
1.3.3
Blood bank/ blood centre shall not engage in practices restricted by law and should
uphold the reputation of their profession.
1.3.4
Ethics shall underpin all the procedures and process carried out in blood bank/ blood
centre. Every blood bank/ blood centre shall determine its own ethical policy in
conformance with national and international guidelines.
1.4
Quality Management System
1.4.1
The blood bank/ blood centre management shall have responsibility for the design,
implementation, maintenance and improvement of the quality management system.
1.4.2
Quality policy and objectives of the quality management system shall be defined and
issued under the authority of the Director/ In-charge of blood bank/ blood centre and
documented in a quality manual. This policy shall be a statement or an undertaking by
the management of the blood bank/ blood centre of its desire to provide the desired
quality of services/product include scope of services, objective of quality management
system with management commitment to comply with the standards and local
regulations. When the blood bank/ blood centre is part of a larger organization the
quality manual will be issued by Director/in-charge of blood bank/ blood centre with the
prior consent of higher management.
1.4.3
A quality manual shall describe the quality management system covering all the
aspects of standards and the structure of the documentation used in the quality
management system. The quality manual shall include or make reference to the
supporting procedures including technical procedures.
1.4.4
All personnel shall be trained in the quality management system with appropriate
inhouse training and their knowledge shall be constantly updated when ever changes
are made to the quality management system.
1.4.5
The quality manual shall be kept up to date under the authority of an individual
responsible for maintaining quality management system.
1.4.6
For implementation and maintenance of quality management system, the management

shall identify a Quality Manager and deputy.
1.4.7
For supervision and maintenance of technical operations, the management shall

identify a Technical Manager and deputy.
1.4.8
Roles and responsibilities of Technical Manager and the Quality Manager (however
named) shall be defined, including their responsibility for ensuring compliance with
these standards. These personnel shall have responsibilities and authority to oversee
compliance with the requirement of the quality management system.
1.4.9
Blood Bank/ Blood Centre shall have defined emergency operation policies and
procedures to respond to the effect of internal and external disaster.
1.5
Policies, processes and procedures
1.5.1
Quality and operational policies, processes, and procedures shall be developed and
implemented to ensure that the requirements of these standards are satisfied. All such
policies, processes, and procedures shall be recorded and followed.
1.5.2
Director/ In-charge blood bank/ blood centre shall approve all policies, process and
procedures.
2.
ACCOMMODATION AND ENVIRONMENT
2.1
Space allocation
2.1.1
Location and surroundings

The blood bank/ blood centre shall be located at a place, which shall be away from
open sewerage, drain, public lavatory or similar unhygienic surroundings.
Building: The building (s), used for operation of a blood bank/ blood centre and/ or
preparation of blood components shall be constructed in such a manner so as to
permit the operation of the blood bank/ blood centre and preparation of blood
components under hygienic conditions and shall avoid entry of insects, rodents and
flies. It shall be well-lighted, ventilated and screened (mesh) whenever necessary. The
walls and floors of the rooms where collection of blood or preparation of blood
components or blood products is carried out shall be smooth, washable and capable of
being kept clean. Drains shall be of adequate size and, where connected directly to a
sewer, shall be equipped with traps to prevent back siphoning.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall be designed for the efficiency of its operation, to
optimise the comfort of its occupants and to minimize the risk of injury and
occupational illness.
Patient/ recipients, employees and visitors shall be protected from recognized hazards
including fire and non-fire hazards within the facility by use of signages and by
restricting entry to controlled areas. The design of blood bank/ blood centre shall be
such as to facilitate easy evacuation in the event of a fire/hazard.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have proper signages and restricted area
demarcation for safety of staff, donors, patients and others.
2.1.2
Accommodation of blood bank/ blood centre

A blood bank/ blood centre shall have a minimum area for the scope of services as per
regulatory requirements. It shall consist of the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Registration and medical examination with adequate furniture and facilities for
registration, waiting and selection of donors,
Donor motivation and Counselling area,
Blood collection (air-conditioned),
Refreshment-cum-restroom (air-conditioned),
Laboratory for blood transmissible disease like hepatitis, syphilis, malaria, HIVantibodies (air-conditioned),
Blood component preparation. (This shall be air-conditioned to maintain
temperature between 200C to 250C, with a provision of quarantine area/
equipment,
Laboratory for blood group serology (air-conditioned),
Sterilization-cum-washing (may be shared in case of hospital based blood bank/
blood centre),

i)
Store-cum-record room.
2.1.3
Blood bank/ blood centre preparing components shall have area for preparing blood
components commensurate with the quantum of work to maintain quality of blood
components (as in Clause 2.1.2)
2.1.4
Plasmapheresis, Plateletpheresis and Leucapheresis

A minimum additional air conditioned area as per regulatory requirements shall be
provided for apheresis in the blood bank/ blood centre.
2.1.5
Blood donation camp

For holding a blood donation camp, the following requirements shall be fulfilled/
complied with:
Premises:
Premises used for the blood donation camp shall have sufficient area (permanently
constructed or a mobile van) and the location shall be hygienic so as to allow proper
operations, maintenance and cleaning.
All information regarding the personnel working, equipment used and facilities
available at such a camp shall be well documented and ensure the following:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
Continuous and uninterrupted electrical supply for equipment used in the camp
Adequate lighting for required activities
Hand-washing facility for staff
Reliable communication system to the central office of the controller/ organiser of
the camp
Furniture and equipment arranged within the available space
Provision for pre-donation counselling
Facilities for medical examination of the donors
Refreshment facilities for donors and staff
Proper disposal of waste
2.1.6
There shall be effective separation between adjacent sections of the blood bank/ blood
centre in which there are incompatible activities. Measures shall be taken to prevent
cross-contamination.
2.1.7
Access to and use of areas affecting the quality of examinations shall be controlled.
Appropriate measures shall be taken to safeguard samples and resources from
unauthorized access.
2.1.8
Relevant storage space and condition shall be provided to ensure the continuing
integrity of samples, documents, files, manuals, equipment, reagents, blood bank/
blood centre supplies, records and results.
2.1.9
Work areas shall be clean and well maintained (good housekeeping). Storage
including transportation and disposal of dangerous material shall be as per regulatory

requirements. Special procedures and training for personnel is necessary to meet
these requirements.
2.1.10
Blood bank/ blood centre shall have adequate back up facility for maintaining electrical
supply round the clock.
2.2
Environment Control
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have process to minimize and respond to
environmentally related risks to the health and safety of employees (including
immunization), donors, volunteers, patient/ recipients and visitors. Suitable
environment and equipment shall be available to maintain safe environment.
2.3
Biological, Chemical and Radiation Safety

The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a policy and procedure for monitoring
adherence to biological, chemical and radiation safety standards and regulations, as
applicable.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall monitor, control and record environmental
conditions, as required by relevant specifications or where they may influence the
procedures and quality of the results. Attention shall be paid to sterility, dust,
electromagnetic interference, radiation, humidity, electrical supply, temperature, sound
and vibration levels as appropriate to the technical activities concerned.
2.4
Internal Communication Systems

Communication systems within the blood bank/ blood centre shall be those appropriate
to the size and complexity of the facility for the efficient transfer of information.
10
3.
PERSONNEL
3.1
Personnel Requirement
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a process to ensure the employment of an
adequate number of individuals qualified by education, training and/ or experience as
per applicable regulations.
3.2
Qualification
The operation of blood bank/ blood centre for processing of whole human blood and/
or components shall be conducted under the active direction and personal supervision
of competent technical staff consisting of at least one person who is a full time Medical
Officer possessing following qualification(s):
3.2.1
Medical Director/ In-charge/ Medical Officer Blood Bank/ Blood Centre

MD (Transfusion Medicine)/ MD (Immunohaematology and blood transfusion)/
DNB ( Immunohaematology and transfusion Medicine)/ MD (Pathology)
OR
Degree in Medicine (M.B.B.S) with Diploma in Clinical Pathology or Transfusion
Medicine having adequate knowledge in blood group serology, blood group
methodology and medical principles involved in the procurement of blood and/ or
preparation of its components.
OR
Degree in Medicine (M.B.B.S) with experience in blood bank/ blood centre for one year
during regular services and also having adequate knowledge and experience in blood
group serology, blood group methodology and medical principles involved in the
procurement of blood and/ or preparation of its components.
3.2.2
Blood bank/ blood centre technician(s)

Technician shall be full time competent staff possessing
Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (M.L.T.) with six months experience in the
testing of blood and/ or its component;
OR
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (M.L.T.) with one year experience in the
testing of blood and/ or its components.
(The degree or diploma being from an University/ Institution recognized by the Central
Government or State Government.)
3.2.3
Registered Nurse(s)
Registered with state/ central nursing council
11
3.2.4
Technical Supervisor (where blood components are manufactured) possessing

Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (M.L.T.) with six months experience in the
testing of blood and preparation of its components.
OR
Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (M.L.T.) with one year experience in the
testing of blood and preparation of its components.
(The degree or diploma being from a University/ Institution recognized by the Central
Government/ State Government).
3.2.5
Counsellor
A person suitably trained in counselling shall be designated by the blood bank/ blood
centre as counsellor.
3.3
Job description/ responsibilities
3.3.1
Current job descriptions shall be maintained and shall define appropriate qualifications
for each job position.
3.3.2
Personnel shall perform assigned activities on the basis of appropriate qualification,

education, training and/ or experience.
3.4
Responsibilities of Medical Director/ blood bank/ blood centre In-charge/

Medical Officer, Technical Manager and Quality Manager
3.4.1
The responsibilities of the blood bank/ blood centre Medical Director/ In-charge/
Medical Officer shall include professional, scientific, consultative, advisory
organizational, administrative and educational matters. These shall be relevant to the
services offered by the blood bank/ blood centre. In case of more than one Medical
Officer in the blood bank/ blood centre, the responsibility shall be defined by the
Medical Director/ In-charge.
3.4.2
Technical Manager shall have overall responsibility for the technical operations and
the provision of resources needed to ensure the required quality of blood bank/ blood
centre procedures.
3.4.3
Quality Manager has the responsibility and authority to oversee compliance with the
requirements of the quality management system. The Quality Manager shall report on
the performance of quality management system directly to the top management which
decides on blood bank/ blood centre policy and resources.
In a blood bank/ blood centre collecting less than 5000 units per year, the same
person can be designated as Technical and Quality Manager.
12
3.5
Training
3.5.1
All personnel shall have training specific to quality assurance and quality management
systems .
3.5.2
It shall be the responsibility of the management to ensure that the personnel involved
in blood bank/ blood centre activities are adequately trained for the tasks undertaken
and receive initial and continual training relevant to their needs.
3.5.3
There shall be a continuing education program for staff at all levels.
3.5.4
Employees shall be trained to prevent adverse incidents and/or contain the effects of,
and report adverse incidents.
3.6
Competence
The competency of each person to perform assigned tasks shall be assessed following
training and periodically thereafter. Retraining and reassessment shall be undertaken
when necessary.
3.7
Personnel health
A pre-employment medical examination and regular health check up shall be
conducted on all the employees as per institutional policy. Occupational health
hazards shall be adequately addressed.
3.8
Personnel records
Blood bank/ blood centre management shall maintain records of the Personal
information, relevant educational and professional qualification, training and
experience, and competence of all personnel. This information shall be readily
available to relevant personnel, and may include:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
3.9
Certification or licence, if required,

Reference from previous employment, if possible,
Job descriptions,
Records of continuing education and achievements,
Provision for untoward incident or accident reports,
Record of identification of signature and initials,
Competency evaluation.
Grievance redressal record
Other records available to authorized person relating to personnel health may
include records of exposure to occupational hazards and records of immunization
status.
Confidentiality of information
All personnel shall maintain confidentiality of information regarding donor/ patient/
recipient. Health records of staff shall be kept confidential and in a safe place.
13
4.
EQUIPMENT
4.1
Equipment requirement
The blood bank/ blood centre shall be furnished with all the equipment that is required
for the provision of services (including blood collection, component preparation,
processing, examination and storage). The blood bank/ blood centre shall have
policies, processes, and procedures to ensure that calibration, maintenance, and
monitoring of equipment conforms to these blood bank/ blood centre standards and
other specified requirements.
4.2
Selection, installation and validation of equipment

Blood Bank/ Blood Centre shall have a policy for selection, procurement, and
installation of the equipment. It shall adhere to the following:
a) Installation qualification
b) Operational qualification
c)
Performance qualification
4.3
Use of equipment
Only authorized personnel shall operate the equipment. Up-to-date instructions on the
use and maintenance of the equipment (including relevant manuals and direction for
use provided by the manufacturer of the equipment) shall be readily available to
personnel.
Equipment used in the collection, processing, testing, storage and distribution of blood
and its components shall be maintained in a clean and proper manner and suitably
placed to facilitate cleaning and maintenance.
4.4
Equipment detail record, unique identification

Records shall be maintained for each item of equipment. These records shall include
at least the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
Identification of the equipment,

Manufacturers name, identification and serial number or other unique
identification,
Manufacturers/ service providers contact person and contact details,
Date of receiving and date of putting into a service,
Current location, where appropriate,
Condition when received (new, used or reconditioned),
Manufacturers instructions, if available, or reference of their retention,
Equipment performance records that confirm the equipment suitability for use,
Maintenance carried out and that planned for the future,
Damage to or malfunction, modification or repair of the equipment,
All the equipment shall have labels identifying the equipment, calibration status
and due date of calibration.
These records shall be maintained and shall be readily available for the life span of the
equipment or for any time period required by law/ regulation.
14
4.5
Programme for calibration and maintenance of equipment
4.5.1
Blood bank/ blood centre management shall establish a programme that regularly
monitors and demonstrates proper calibration and function of instruments, reagents
and analytical system. It shall also have a documented and recorded programme of
preventive maintenance, which, at a minimum, follows the manufacturers
recommendation.
4.5.2
The equipment shall be observed, standardized and calibrated regularly on scheduled

basis as described in the standard operating procedure manual and shall operate in
the manner for which it was designed so as to ensure compliance with the legal
requirement (the equipment) as stated below for blood and its components.
4.5.3
Equipment shall be observed, standardized and calibrated with at least the minimum
frequencies defined in Annexure H.
4.5.4
The program for calibration of equipment shall be designed and operated so as to

ensure that calibrations are traceable to international system of units (SI). The link to
SI units may be achieved by reference to national measurement standards.
4.5.5
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a system for investigating and follow up of
equipment malfunction, failure or adverse event while working. This shall minimally
include assessment of consequences when equipment is found to be out of calibration,
such as effect on donor eligibility and quality of blood components.
Steps taken to ensure non-use of equipment, investigation of malfunction or failures,
steps taken for the qualification of the equipment, with proper notification to
manufacturer where indicated.
4.6
Equipment for storage of blood and component
4.6.1
Blood bank/ blood centre shall have adequate storage facility corresponding to its
workload.
4.6.2
Storage devices shall have design to ensure that the proper temperature is
maintained.
4.6.3
There shall be a process to monitor and record the temperature of refrigerator,

freezers, and platelet incubators continuously. The temperature will be recorded at
least every 8 hours. In case the Blood bank/ blood centre is not monitoring the
temperature continuously the recording shall be at least at 4 hourly intervals.
4.6.4
If platelets are stored in an open storage area on an agitator, the ambient temperature
shall be maintained at 220C 20C and recorded at least at 4 hourly intervals.
15
4.7
Computer system
When computers or automated examination equipment are used for the collection,
processing, recording, reporting, storage or retrieval of examination date, the blood
bank/ blood centre shall ensure that:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
4.8
Computer software, including that built into equipment is documented and

suitably validated as adequate for use in the facility
Procedures are established and implemented for protecting the integrity of data
at all times
Computer and automated equipment are maintained to ensure proper functioning
and provided with environmental and operating conditions necessary for
maintaining the integrity of data
Computer programmes and routines are adequately protected to prevent access,
alternation and destruction by unauthorized persons
An alternative system that ensures continuous operation shall be available in the
event that computerised data and computer functions are unavailable. The
alternative system shall be tested periodically
Breakdown of equipment
Whenever equipment is found to be defective it shall be taken out of service, clearly
labelled and appropriately stored until it is been repaired and shown to be calibrated to
meet specified acceptance criteria.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have policy and procedure for appropriate alternate
storage where the blood/blood components shall be shifted in the event of breakdown
of storage equipment.
16
5.
EXTERNAL SERVICES AND SUPPLIES
5.1
Policies and procedures for selection of supplier
5.1.1
Blood bank/ blood centre management shall define and document its policies and
procedures for the selection and use of purchased external services, equipment and
consumables that affect the quality of its services. All items shall consistently meet the
blood bank/ blood centre quality requirements. National, regional or local regulations
may require record of purchased items. There shall be procedures and criteria for
inspection, acceptance/ rejection, and storage of consumable materials.
5.1.2
Purchased equipment and consumable supplies that affect the quality of the service
shall not be used until they have been verified as complying with standard
specifications or requirements defined for the procedure concerned.
5.1.3
Blood bank/ blood centre shall ensure that all supplies and reagents requiring cold
chain maintenance are received at the appropriate temperature.
5.1.4
Supplies and reagents used in the collection, processing, compatibility testing, storage
and distribution of blood and blood components shall be stored at proper temperature
in a safe and hygienic place in a proper manner.
5.1.5
All supplies coming in contact with blood and blood components intended for
transfusion shall be sterile, pyrogen-free, and shall not interact with the product in such
a manner as to have an adverse effect upon the safety, purity, potency or
effectiveness of the product.
5.1.6
Supplies and reagents that do not bear an expiry date shall be used in a manner that
those received first are used first.
5.1.7
Supplies and reagent shall be used in a manner consistent with instructions provided
by the manufacturer.
5.1.8
Each blood collecting container and its satellite container(s), if any, shall be examined
visually for damage or evidence of contamination prior to its use and immediately
after filling, such examination shall include inspection for breakage of seals, when
there is such indication the container shall not be used or, if detected after filling, shall
be properly discarded.
5.2
Inventory control
5.2.1
There shall be an inventory control system for supplies. Appropriate quality records of
external services, supplies and purchased product shall be established and maintained
for period of time as defined in the quality management system.
5.2.2
This system shall include the recording of lot number of all relevant reagents, control
materials and calibrators, the date of receipt in the blood bank/ blood centre and the
date the material was placed in service.
17
5.3
Evaluation of suppliers
The blood bank/ blood centre shall evaluate suppliers of critical reagents, supplies and
services that affect the quality of examinations and shall maintain records of these
evaluations and list of those approved.
18
6.
PROCESS CONTROL
Process control is discipline that deals with architectures, mechanisms and
algorithms for maintaining the output of a specific process within a desired range. blood
Bank/ blood centre shall have technicial Standard Operating Procedures for each of the
activity described under Process Control.
Note: Some of the following might not be applicable to the scope of all blood banks/
blood centres.
6.1
Policies and validation of processes and procedures

The blood bank/ blood centre shall have policies and validated processes and
procedures that ensure the quality of the blood, components and services. The blood
bank/ blood centre shall ensure that these policies, processes and procedures are
carried out under controlled conditions.
Process or procedure steps
For each critical step in collection, processing, compatibility testing and transportation
of blood and components issued, there shall be a mechanism to identify who
performed the step and when it was performed.
6.1.1
Traceability of blood/ component unit and sample from blood collection to issue
The blood bank/ blood centre shall ensure that all blood and components issued and
critical materials used in their processing activities, as well as laboratory sample and
donor and patient/ recipient records, are identified and traceable.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall establish a procedure to identify a recipient of a
transfusion of blood from a donor who is subsequently found to have been infected
with transfusion transmitted infection. In case this happens the blood bank/ blood
centre shall inform the patient/ recipients physician. Appropriate record of such events
shall be kept. The unused components from this unit shall be discarded.
6.1.2
Standard procedure
The blood bank/ blood centre shall use validated test procedures which have been
documented to give consistently correct results
for the performance of
tests/procedures done in the blood bank/ blood centre. National guidelines, DGHS
manuals, NACO/NBTC manuals and other regulatory directives shall be followed. In
absence of the above procedures that have been published in established/
authoritative textbooks, peer-reviewed text or journals or in international guidelines
shall be used.
Inhouse Procedures : If in-house procedures are used, these shall be appropriately
validated for their intended use and fully documented. Results of validation and the
procedure used for validation shall be available for review.
19

a)
Written procedure
All procedures shall be documented and be available at the workstation for
relevant staff. Documented procedures and necessary instructions shall be
available in a language commonly understood by the staff in blood bank/ blood
centre.
Card files or similar systems that summarize key information are acceptable for
use as a quick reference at the workbench, provided that a complete manual is
available for reference. The card file or similar systems shall correspond to the
complete manual. Any such abridged procedures shall be part of the document
control system.
The procedures can be based on the instructions for use (e.g. package insert)
written by the manufacturer. The procedures described, are those performed in the
blood bank/ blood centre. Any deviation shall be reviewed and documented.
Additional information that could be required to perform the examination shall also
be documented. Each new version of examination kits with major changes in
reagents or procedures shall be checked for performance and suitability for
intended use. Any procedural changes shall be dated and authorized as for other
procedures.
b) New procedures/ changes and validation
The new methods and procedures selected for use shall be evaluated to find if they
give satisfactory result before being put in practice. A review of procedures by the
blood bank/ blood centre Director/ In-charge shall be undertaken initially and at
defined intervals. Such a review is normally carried out annually. These reviews
shall be documented.
If the blood bank/ blood centre intends to change a procedure in such a way that
results or their interpretations could be significantly different, the implications shall
be explained to the users of the blood bank/ blood centre services in writing.
6.2
Donor Section
6.2.1
Blood donation
6.2.1.1
Donor recruitment: Retention and Recall

Blood bank/ blood centre shall, have a policy and process for recruitment of voluntary,
non-remunerated, low risk, safe and healthy donors and their retention and recall.
Efforts shall be directed towards encouraging and retaining adequate number of repeat
donors. Donors shall be appropriately recognised for their contribution.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall educate donors prior to collection of blood
regarding the risk factors of transfusion transmitted infections.
20

The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a procedure for voluntary donor recall.
6.2.1.2
Pre-donation counselling
Pre-donation counselling by the counsellor/ staff with appropriate training shall be
made available maintaining privacy and confidentiality. Pre-donation information which
includes the following shall be made available to the donor:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
6.2.1.3
Modes of transmission due to risk behaviour and self-exclusion for patient/

recipients safety
Information about alternative testing site
Test carried out on donated blood.
Confidentiality of test results,
Need for honest answers in view of window period.
May provide information for Confidential Unit Exclusion
Donor registration, consent and selection

a) Donor registration
A questionnaire shall be prepared in English and local languages which is simple
and easy to understand to be answered by the donor.
For donors who are illiterate, assistance shall be given by donor registration staff.
Medical officer with minimum MBBS qualification shall be responsible for reviewing
the donors health conditions and physical examination of the donor.
Demographic details such as name and address of donor, date and time of donor
selection and donation shall be registered.
b) Consent
An informed consent shall convey benefits/adverse effects of blood donation along
with the information regarding mandatory tests done on donor blood.
Prior to blood donation, the consent of the donor shall be obtained in writing with
donors signature or thumb impression after the procedure is explained. Written
consent to transfer excess blood to another blood bank/ blood centre or excess
plasma for fractionation.
The donor shall be provided an opportunity to ask questions and refuse consent.
After donation, if the donor seeks the status of Transfusion Transmitted Infection
(TTI), the same may be provided with prior consent.
c) Criteria for selection of donors

The requirements given at Annexure B shall be followed in order to ensure that the
blood donation will not be detrimental to the donor/ recipients.
21

The final authority for any decision to accept or reject the donor rests with the
donor centres physician who will select or defer donors based on laid down
Selection/Deferral Criteria.
d) Donation interval
The interval between two whole blood donations shall be at least three
months.
Apheresis shall be done only after three months of whole blood collection
Interval between two plateletpheresis donations shall be 48 hours and a

donor shall donate not more than twice a week and not more than 24 times
in a year.
The interval between plateletpheresis and whole blood donation shall not
be less than 48 hours.
In the event of red cells not being returned during an apheresis

(Plateletpheresis, plasmapheresis,
Cytapheresis) procedure the
subsequent apheresis procedure will be done only after 3 months and not
48 hours.
Plateletpheresis donors shall be tested for platelet count before every

apheresis procedure and serial Plasmapheresis donors shall undergo
Plasma Protein estimation before the procedure.
For double red cell collection, donor shall have haemoglobin more than
13.5 g/ dl and weight at least 60 Kg in males and 68 Kg in females. The
interval between the two procedures shall be six months.
The donors shall be tested appropriately to detect thrombocytopenia and

decreased serum protein.
For detailed procedure of apheresis see 6.3.3.f.
6.2.1.4
Phlebotomy procedure
a)
Blood shall be collected only by a licensed blood bank/ blood centre. Blood shall
be drawn from the donor by a qualified physician or under his/ her supervision by a
nurse/ technician trained in the procedure. A physician shall be present on the
premises when the blood is being collected. Blood shall be collected by single
venipuncture and flow of blood shall be continuous. In case of second prick, there
shall be a procedure to ensure that the occurrence of such events is recorded and
reported, and data used for improvement.
The blood donor area shall be clean, congenial, comfortable and conveniently
approachable. It is mandatory to have air-conditioned rooms to make the donor
comfortable and to minimise chances of donor reaction. The phlebotomy staff shall
22

be trained to inspect the antecubital skin for evidence of drug abuse or skin
infection.
b) Method of preparation of phlebotomy site

A strict standardised procedure shall be in use to achieve surgical cleanliness for
preparing venipuncture site to provide maximum possible assurance of sterile
product.
c)
Equipment and blood bag

The blood bags for collection of blood shall be sterile, pyrogen-free and
disposable, with a closed system of collection. Multiple interconnected plastic bags
(closed system) shall be used for blood component preparation.
d) Anticoagulant solutions
The anticoagulant solution shall be sterile and pyrogen-free. The ratio of
anticoagulant solution to blood shall be as follows:
Citrate Phosphate Dextrose (CPD) solution: 14 ml solution for 100 ml of blood
Citrate Phosphate Dextrose Adenine (CPDA-1) solution: 14 ml solution for 100 ml
of blood.
e) Additive solutions
100 ml of additive solution for 450 ml whole blood and 80 ml for 350 ml whole
blood is added to packed cells after separation of plasma.
f)
Volume
Volume of blood collected shall be proportionate to the volume of anti-coagulant
with 10% variation and shall not exceed 10 ml/ kg body weight. Units of blood
where volume collected is outside the permitted limits shall not be used for
transfusion. No attempt shall be made to collect blood from such a donor during
the same session. Extracorporeal blood volume shall not exceed 15% of the
donors estimated blood volume.
The Blood bank/ blood centre shall have a policy for low volume collection.
g)
Duration of blood collection

Blood meant for platelet preparation shall be collected with minimal trauma to
tissue and units taking longer than 10 minutes for collection shall not be used for
such purpose.
23

6.2.1.5
Post donation care

Donor shall be informed about the possibility of adverse reactions and care to be
taken. Advice regarding post-phlebotomy care shall be given to donors and displayed
in the blood collection/ observation room.
6.2.1.6
Adverse donor reaction management

Necessary drugs and equipment shall be available for treatment of donor reaction, if
any. The emergency tray will be periodically checked to remove expired medicines.
Donor blood collection staff shall be trained in identification and management of donor
reactions. Blood bank/ blood centre shall outline emergency procedures for donor
referral and donor transport in case of a serious adverse reaction.
6.2.1.7
Blood donation camp/ drives

Outdoors blood donation camps and in blood mobiles
Blood donation camps shall be organised only by blood bank/ blood centres (RBTCs)
authorised by State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) to augment blood stocks.
Adequate publicity and Information Education and Communication (IEC) material shall
be made available to the organisations.
The number of blood units collected shall be commensurate with the actual
requirement of blood units rather than by social or emotional pressures.
Authorized person from blood bank/ blood centre shall inspect the donation site prior to
the day of blood collection to ensure availability of all facilities as prescribed.
The outdoor camps shall be organised in an environment that is conducive and
comfortable for donors. The area shall be cleaned before and after the blood
collection.
Blood bank/ blood centre shall maintain quality at each step from donor recruitment,
donor selection blood collection to processing of the final product. The method of blood
collection and management of donor reaction shall be the same irrespective of where
the blood is collected blood bank/ blood centre blood mobile or blood donation drive.
Quality measures, pre-donation counselling and transportation procedures shall not be
compromised.
6.2.1.8
Procedure for autologous blood collection (predeposit)

The blood bank/ blood centre doing autologous blood collections shall have defined
processes and procedures including predeposit criteria for autologous donation,
testing of units, labelling required and pretransfusion testing.
6.2.1.9
Donor notification of abnormal findings, test results and counselling

a) Information of test results
24

For ensuring blood safety, the blood bank/ blood centres shall provide pre and post
donation counselling services
The medical officer/ trained counsellor of blood bank/ blood centre shall inform the
donor about any sero-reactive result of TTI with prior written consent as per
existing recommendations.
b) Donor Notification (Counselling and referral)
Efforts shall be made by blood bank/ blood centre to recall reactive HIV donors for
counselling and re-testing and referral for treatment and /or referral to Integrated
testing centres when inhouse facilities for these are not available.
For TTI other than HIV, the donor shall be referred for follow up to concerned
speciality for further management.
Records of donor notification shall be available.
6.2.1.10 Records of donor and donors blood/ components
Following Donor Records shall be maintained:
Demographic details
First time or repeat donor
Identification number
Donor selection record
Medical History
Physical examination
Donor deferral records

Donors blood collection record
Date of collection
Batch number and bag manufacturers name
Segment number on blood bag tubing
Particulars of donor
Amount of blood collected
Time and duration of collection
Signature of phlebotomist and medical officer
Donor reactions Details of donor reaction shall be mentioned including management

and action taken for its prevention in future.
Blood components records
Name and volume of component prepared
Date, time and mode of preparation
Disposition record
25

Record of processing of donors blood
ABO and Rh (D) type

Antibody screening and identification
Anti-HIV 1 & 2, Anti-HCV, HBsAg
Test for syphilis
Test for malaria parasites
Documentation of details of grouping shall be done indicating reaction results, batch

number and manufacturers name of reagents in use, details of reagent red cells in
use.
TTI testing : Documentation of all tests for transfusion transmitted infections shall be
done including manufacturers name ,batch number of the kits and expiry date.
Printouts of tests results and its interpretation shall be preserved for record.
Note 1 : All TTI test result print outs shall be verified by medical officer or in his/her
absence by the designee.
Note 2 :The blood bank/ blood centre shall also evolve a protocol for safe disposal of
reactive units an prevent their inadvertent entry into the inventory.
All rapid tests/ spot tests shall be interpreted by two competent individuals and
recorded.
Quality control records shall be maintained indicating testing of components, reagents
and equipment.
Records of apheresis procedures shall be maintained.
Records of all blood/ components discarded shall be maintained.
Records of autoclaving of reactive units/untested units shall be maintained.
6.2.1.11 Therapeutic plasmapheresis and cytapheresis
Therapeutic plasmapheresis/ cytapheresis shall be done only under medical
supervision and at the written request of the patients physician/ recipients physician in
the blood bank/ blood centre or in the ward depending on patient/ recipients clinical
condition.
Records of patient/ recipients identification, diagnosis, therapeutic procedures,
haemapheresis method, volume of blood removed and returned, time taken, nature
and volume of replacement fluids, adverse reaction if any and medication
administered, shall be maintained.
Informed consent of the patient/ recipient shall be taken in the language he/ she
understands.
26

Therapeutic Phlebotomy
Therapeutic phlebotomy shall be done only on the request of the patients physician/
recipients physician. The blood bank/ blood centre doctor must decide whether to
accept the responsibility of the patient/ recipient. The blood/component so collected
shall not be used for transfusion and will be discarded after autoclaving.
6.2.2
Handling of samples and blood units
6.2.2.1
Samples for laboratory tests

The blood samples in the pilot tubes (plain and with anticoagulant) shall be collected at
the time of collection of blood by the same person. They shall be marked before
collection to be identified with the unit of blood.
The integral donor tubing of plastic bag shall be filled with anticoagulated blood by
stripping the tubing and sealing in such a manner that it will be available with segment
numbers for traceability for subsequent compatibility tests.
6.2.2.2
Identification and traceability

Each container of blood/ blood components/ pilot tubes shall be identified by a numeric
or alphanumeric number at the time of collection of blood, so that it can be traced back
to the donor and also to the recipient. The segment number printed on the integral
donor tubing shall be recorded.
a) Blood unit identification
A numeric and/or alphanumeric system shall be used, that will make it possible to
trace any unit of blood or component from source to final destination and recheck
records applying to the specific unit.
The numeric and/or alphanumeric identification on label shall be provided by the
collecting facility to each unit of blood/ its components. This number shall be
documented for traceability. Any advanced technology for identification such as
barcode system is preferable.
No identification of the donor shall be written on the label. In case of transfer of
blood unit to blood storage centre, original label with the same identification shall
be retained.
b) Traceability
The blood bank/ blood centre shall ensure that all blood, components prepared in
their premises, as well as laboratory samples and donor and patient/ recipient
records, are identified and traceable to donor and recipients.
6.2.2.3
Transportation
Whole blood shall be transported from the collection site to the component laboratory
as soon as possible.
27

Temperature during transport shall not exceed 10oC in case of whole blood except
when platelets are to be prepared from whole blood. Temperature during transport
shall be monitored and recorded.
Whole blood and red cell concentrates shall be transported in a manner that shall
maintain a temperature of 4oC 2oC. Platelet/ granulocyte concentrates are stored and
transported at 22oC 2oC. Components stored frozen shall be transported in a manner
to maintain them frozen. When these are issued for transfusion, these shall be thawed
at 37oC prior to issue.
The temperature during transport shall be monitored.
6.3
Component Laboratory
6.3.1
Sterility
The sterility of all components shall be maintained during processing by the use of
aseptic methods and sterile pyrogen-free disposable bags and solutions.
6.3.2
Seal
Blood bags with closed system shall be used. The system shall also be considered a
closed system if a sterile connecting device or sterile tubing welder is used.
If the seal is broken during processing, components stored between 4oC 2oC must be
transfused within 24 hours and component stored between 22oC 2oC shall be
transfused as early as possible and not beyond 6 hours.
Once the frozen components are thawed, these shall be transfused as soon as
possible and positively within 6 hours.
At the time of preparation of the final components the integrally connected tubing shall
be filled with aliquots of the component and sealed in such a manner that it shall be
available for subsequent compatibility and assay testing, if needed.
6.3.3
Preparation of components
a) Red Blood Cells Components
Red cells concentrate
Red blood cell concentrate shall be prepared from the whole blood collected in
plastic bags, preferably in multiple plastic bag system. Plasma is separated from
red blood cells following either centrifugation or undisturbed sedimentation at any
time before the expiry date of blood. If closed system is used, the expiry date of
red cells shall be the same as whole blood. (Annexure D Table 13)
Washed red cells
28

Red blood cells shall be washed with normal saline by automatic cell washer or
manually by centrifugation. The cells shall be washed 2-3 times with normal saline
by centrifuging at 4oC 2oC. A laminar bench that is validated at least once a year
shall be used. Closed system of washing is recommended. If washing is done in
open system, expiry of the component shall be within 24 hours.
Leucoreduced red cells
Leucocyte depleted red blood cells concentrate shall be prepared by a method
known to reduce leucocytes in the final component to less than 5 x 106 leucocytes
per unit of red cells.
Frozen and deglycerolised red blood cell concentrate
Red cells shall be stored frozen continuously at low temperature as specified by
the procedure. The red cells shall be washed to remove the cryoprotective agent
prior to transfusion.
The method of preparation, storage, thawing and washing shall ensure a recovery
of at least 80% of original red cells depending on the procedure in use.
Red blood cells shall be ordinarily frozen within 6 days of collection of blood and
can be kept frozen up to 10 years.
b) Platelets concentrate (random donor platelets)
Platelets concentrate shall be prepared by centrifugation of single unit of whole
blood collected with a smooth venipuncture and a continuous flow of blood.
Platelets concentrate shall be separated from whole blood within 6 hours of
collection by centrifugation at 22oC 2oC using either platelet rich plasma (PRP) or
buffy coat (BC) method, which is validated.
Platelets shall be suspended in approximately 50 ml of plasma and stored at 22oC
2oC under agitation. The pH at storage temperature shall not be lower than 6.0 at
the end of storage period.
Continuous gentle agitation (6070 oscillations per minute) using horizontal
agitator or a rotator with 5-10 cycles/ minute shall be maintained throughout the
storage period varying from 3 to 5 days depending on the nature of plastic of the
bag in use considering day of blood collection as Day Zero.
There shall be no grossly visible platelet aggregates during the storage. Swirling
phenomenon shall be checked before issue.
The concentrate prepared shall not be contaminated with red cells. The degree of
reddish tinge of the concentrate indicates red cell contamination. For transfusion
platelet units contaminated with red cells shall be group specific.
29

c) Granulocyte concentrate
Unit of granulocytes prepared by use of cell separator shall have 1 x 10 10
leucocytes and shall be kept at 22oC 2oC for a maximum period of 24 hours.
d) Plasma
Single donor plasma
Plasma shall be separated from whole blood at any time up to 5 days after the
expiry of the whole blood. The plasma separated after 5 days of expiry date shall
be used only for fractionation.
Fresh frozen plasma
Fresh plasma shall be separated from the whole blood and frozen solid at 80oC or
blast freezer not later than 6 hours of collection. Further storage shall be done at
30C or lower. Prior to infusion the frozen plasma shall be thawed rapidly at 30
37oC in a water bath with swirling movement of water. Once thawed it shall be
used within 6 hours, when kept at room/ ambient temperature, or within 24 hours
when kept at 4oC 2oC.
Cryo poor plasma or Factor VIII deficient Plasma
This is plasma from which cryoprecipitate has been removed. It shall be stored at
30oC or lower and once thawed shall be used within 6 hours.
e) Single donor cryoprecipitate (cryoprecipitated anti-hemophilic factor)
For preparation of cryoprecipitate the plasma shall be separated within 6 hours of
collection and frozen hard at 80oC and then can be preserved at 300 C or lower
and when needed thawed at 4oC in circulating water bath or in 4oC Cold Room/
Blood bank refrigerator.
Thawed plasma shall be immediately centrifuged and separated from the cold
insoluble material under sterile conditions.
The cryoprecipitate (cold insoluble material) shall be frozen within 1 hour and shall
be kept at 30oC or lower up to 1 year from the date of donation. Once thawed, it
should be used within 6 hours.
f)
Donor apheresis
This procedure shall be carried out only in a blood bank/ blood centre licensed for
this purpose.
A medical officer trained in apheresis technique shall be responsible for the
procedure.
The staff working on the cell separator shall be trained in apheresis procedure and
shall work directly under the supervision of the medical officer.
30
There shall be provision for emergency medical care, in the event of any adverse
reaction to the donor.
Plasmapheresis
It is a procedure to harvest plasma from the whole blood and returning the cellular
component to the donor. Plasma is harvested by automated machine.
In serial plasmapheresis programme with return of the cellular components a
minimum interval shall be of 48 hours between two procedures and not more than
two procedures in a week shall be allowed.
If a participant of such programme donates a unit of blood or if it is not possible to
return red cells, the donor shall not undergo platelet/ plasma pheresis for 12
weeks.
Records for plasmapheresis
Records of donors periodic examination, laboratory tests, consent of donor/
patient/ recipient, date of last apheresis procedure, certificate of the attending
physician, procedure, volume of product separated, drugs used, adverse reaction if
any and their treatment shall be maintained.
Volume of plasma
Volume of plasma obtained excluding anticoagulants from a donor weighing at
least 55 kg., shall not exceed 500 ml with serum protein within normal limit during
one procedure or not more than 1000 ml per month with a maximum of 12 liters/
year. Extra corporeal blood volume shall not exceed 15% of donors estimated
blood volume.
Cytapheresis (Erythropheresis, Leukapheresis, Peripheral blood stem cells
harvest)
Cytapheresis is the procedure for separation of individual cellular component of
blood. It can be achieved by the cell separator machine
Peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) are harvested using a continuous or
intermittent cell separator. The recommended minimum dose for PBSC transplant
is 2 x 106 CD34 cells or 2 x 108 mononuclear cells per kg of the recipient.
Harvesting these quantities may require more than one sitting.
Plateletpheresis or Single donor Platelets
Plateletpheresis means the process by which the blood drawn from a donor, after
platelet concentrates have been separated, is re-transfused simultaneously into the
said donor.
6.4
Quarantine and Storage
6.4.1
Refrigerators and freezers for storage
31
A designated area shall be used for storage to limit deterioration and prevent damage
to materials in process and final products. The access to such areas shall be
controlled.
Refrigerator or freezers used for storage of blood, blood components and blood
samples shall not be used for any other items.
All reagents shall be stored in refrigerators with thermograph having continuous
temperature monitoring with high and low alarm
Blood bank/ blood centre refrigerators/ walk-in-cooler shall have inside temperature of
4oC 2oC and shall have a system to monitor temperature continuously and at least
the temperature shall be recorded every 8 hours. In case continuous monitoring is not
done recording shall be 4 hourly. An alarm system and a provision for alternate power
supply shall be available. The performance of alarms for the set temperature of the
equipment shall be checked once a week.
Deep freezer shall have inside temperature of 30 to -40oC and 75 to -80oC having
temperature indicator/ recording facility with alarm system and provision for alternate
power supply.
Platelet incubator with agitator shall have inside temperature of 22oC 2oC having
temperature indicator/ recording facility with alarm system and provision for alternate
power supply. The equipment shall keep the platelet units in continuous gentle
agitation.
Adequate alternate storage facility and written display of instructions to maintain the
blood and components in the event of failure of power or equipment shall be provided.
The alarm of all storage equipment shall signal in an area that has adequate personnel
coverage round the clock to ensure immediate corrective action.
6.4.2
Quarantine and storage

The whole blood or components shall be quarantined till the mandatory tests are
completed and reported as non-reactive. In order to ensure this procedure, the
untested blood shall be kept in quarantine storage. The units which test reactive in any
test shall be segregated immediately and kept in separate quarantine area till sent for
disposal as per bio medical waste (BMW) rules.
Refrigerators or freezers in which blood and blood components are stored for
quarantine shall be appropriately labelled.
Storage and Expiration (see also Annexure A)
Whole blood
Whole blood shall be stored at 4oC 2oC in plastic blood bags.
Whole blood collected in anticoagulant citrate-phosphate-dextrose solution (CPD) shall
have an expiry date, not exceeding 21 days after phlebotomy. Whole blood collected in
32

anticoagulant citrate-phosphate-dextrose with adenine (CPDA-1) shall have an expiry
date not exceeding 35 days after phlebotomy.
Red Blood Cell Components
Red blood cells
Red blood cells that are separated in a closed system shall have the same expiry date
as the whole blood from which they are prepared. The time of removal of plasma is not
relevant to the expiry date of red cell concentrates. However, if an open system is
used, the expiry date shall be 24 hours after separation. Red cell concentrate shall be
stored at 4oC 2oC.
CPD Red cells containing additive solutions shall be stored up to 42 days with day of
collection considered as Day Zero. At midnight (12 O clock) the day is completed. In
case of additive solution bags, if components are not separated for any reason, the
shelf life of whole blood is 21 days as the primary bag contains CPD as anticoagulant.
Frozen red cells
The expiry date for glycerolized (low or high) frozen red cells is 10 years and shall be
stored as per the procedure adopted.
Washed and deglycerolised red cells
Washed red blood cells and deglycerolised red blood cells shall be stored at 4oC 2oC
and shall be transfused as soon as possible and within 24 hours after processing.
Leucocytes depleted red blood cells
Leucocytes depleted red blood cells shall be stored at 4oC 2oC. It shall have the
same expiry date as whole blood from which it has been prepared, if closed system is
used. In case of open system, the expiry shall be within 24 hours.
Irradiated red blood cells
Irradiated red blood cells shall be stored at 4oC 2oC. The post-irradiation expiration
date shall be 28 days or the original expiration date, whichever is earlier.
Platelet concentrate
The platelet concentrate shall be stored at 22oC 2oC with continuous gentle flat bed
agitation (60-70 strokes per minute) or a rotator (5-10 cycles/ min.) maintained
throughout the storage period. The expiry date of platelet concentrate prepared in
closed system shall be 5 days after the collection of original blood. The day of
collection is considered as Day Zero. The expiry of platelet concentrate is at midnight
(12 O clock) of Day 5.
The storage temperature for leucocyte concentrate is 22oC 2oC. It shall be transfused
as soon as possible and not later than 24 hours of phlebotomy.
33
Plasma
Single donor plasma
Single donor plasma shall be stored below 30oC for one year and may be used as
plasma for transfusion.
Fresh-frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate
These components shall be stored at 30oC or below and shall be stored no longer
than 12 months.
Cryo poor plasma shall be stored at 30oC or below.
6.5
Labelling
A System shall be in place to ensure that final container is labelled only after all
mandatory testing is completed as per Indian Pharmacopoeia requirements.
Requirements shall ensure:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Traceability of product
Appropriate storage and handling of units
Appropriate selection of units for transfusion
Volume of component should be mentioned on label
Indication of whether collected from voluntary or Replacement donor
The label shall be attached firmly to the container and shall be clean and readable.
Any handwritten information shall be legible and in permanent and moisture proof ink.
6.5.1
Labelling for whole blood/ component

After processing the blood, a final label shall be affixed on the bag with the following
information:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Name of the product i.e., whole blood or component or intended component

The numeric and/or alphanumeric identification
The date of collection and expiry
The name and amount of anticoagulant and the approximate volume of blood
collected
For platelet concentrate, plasma and for component obtained through
apheresis, the volume of the components shall be indicated
Colour Scheme: Following colour code is used to differentiate the ABO group
label
Blood group O
: Blue
Blood group A
: Yellow
Blood group B
: Pink
Blood group AB
: White
g)
Storage temperature
h)
ABO and Rh(D) type
34

i)
j)
6.5.2
Interpretation of HIV1&2, HBsAg, HCV, syphilis, test for malarial parasites,

unexpected antibodies
Name, address and manufacturing license number of the collecting facility
Instructions for transfusion

Following information shall be printed on the label:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
6.5.3
Do not use if there is any visible evidence of deterioration

Store the product at appropriate temperature (as defined for each of the
products) before use (e.g. keep at 4oC 2oC),
Shake gently before use
Do not add any other medication to the blood/ blood component
Check blood group on label and that of the recipient before administration
Use a fresh, clean, sterile and pyrogen-free disposable transfusion set with
filter to transfuse blood
Do not dispense without a prescription
Special requirements for component label

The label shall contain information to identify the facility that carries out any part of the
preparation.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Rh(D) type is not required to be mentioned for plasma or cryoprecipitate but it

is necessary for platelet and granulocyte concentrate especially in case of red
cell contamination of the product
Storage temperature shall be indicated
Expiry date/ time for use shall be indicated
If the plasma is intended for use of fractionation, suitable documentation shall
be done
Label shall indicate whether the component is prepared by apheresis method
Label shall indicate the addition of any adjuvant or cryoprotective agents used
Label shall indicate if the product is irradiated or leucodepleted
6.6
Testing of Donated Blood
6.6.1

ABO group shall be determined by cell grouping with anti-A, anti-B, anti-AB reagents
(anti-AB is optional if monoclonal of anti-A and anti-B are used) by tube or microplate
method orColumn Agglutination Technology (or by any other validated manual or
automated methods) and by serum grouping. Serum/plasma shall be tested for
expected and unexpected antibodies with known type A, B and O pool cells/ panel
cells, if available. For each group a pool of 3 different cells shall be used. The blood
shall not be released until any discrepancy, if found, is resolved.
6.6.2
Determination of Rh(D) type

The Rh(D) type shall be determined with anti-D reagent from two different sources
using a validated method. It is preferable to use one IgM and other a blend i.e.,
IgM+IgG. If blood is typed as D-negative it shall be tested to detect Du/ weak D using
35

IAT method. When the test for D or Weak D is positive, the label shall read Rh(D)
positive. When the test for D and Weak D testing is negative, the label shall read
Rh(D) negative.
Previous Records
A donors previous record of ABO and Rh(D) type shall not serve as identification of
units of blood subsequently given by the same donor. New determination shall be
made for each collection. Discrepancy with previous record shall be investigated and
resolved.
6.6.3
Determination of unexpected antibodies

Serum or plasma of blood donors shall be tested for unexpected antibody/ antibodies
with pooled O Rh (D) positive cells or preferably screening cell panel which shall
include indirect anti-human globulin (AHG) and which can identify clinically significant
antibody/ antibodies.
a)
b)
c)
d)
6.6.4
Blood, with antibody/ antibodies, shall be used as packed cells only

Any component with cold antibody shall be transfused only with special
instructions to warm the blood before transfusion
If warm alloantibody is present, only packed cells shall be used for transfusion
under observation
If a warm auto-antibody is present, even packed cells shall not be used for
transfusion.
Test for Transfusion Transmitted Infections

Blood samples in pilot tubes taken at the time of collection shall be tested for all
required mandatory tests. The whole blood or components from any unit that tests
positive shall be discarded. Test methods for screening TTI shall be those approved by
the Regulatory Authorities.
6.6.4.1
Screening for HIV antibody

All blood units collected shall be tested for HIV1&2 antibodies
6.6.4.2
Test for Viral Hepatitis

All the blood units collected shall be tested for HBV( HbsAg) and HCV (Anti HCV)
6.6.4.3
Test for Syphilis

Each donation of whole blood shall be subjected to serological test for syphilis by
VDRL or RPR or TPHA or ELISA method.
6.6.4.4
Test for Malaria

All blood units shall be tested for malaria parasites using a validated method or
sensitive antigen test.
Any other test in addition to above being carried out in a blood bank/ blood centre shall
use validated methods and fulfil all regulatory requirements.
36
6.6.4.5
Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing (NAT)

a) NAT is an optional test for screening of transfusion transmitted infections in blood
banks/blood centres.
b) Blood banks/blood centres doing NAT shall define a policy for release of blood bank/
blood centre following completion of ELISA but pending NAT results..
c) In case of testing donor samples by mini pool NAT, every positive pool shall be
retested individually and the pool shall be quarantined till the same is complete.
6.7
Compatibility Testing
6.7.1
Request for blood and its components

Request form for whole blood or components accompanying the recipients blood
samples shall be legible and shall have the following information:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
n)
6.7.2
Recipients name,
Age, Sex, ward and bed number,
Blood group of recipient if done earlier (for error prevention),
Name of the head of treating unit,
Amount of blood/ component needed,
Date and time of blood/ component requirement,
Routine/ emergency,
Diagnosis,
Reason for transfusion, hemoglobin/ platelet count,
History of previous transfusion,
Obstetric history in the case of female patient/ recipient,
Name of the hospital/ hospital registration number,
Signature of the medical officer,
Name and signature of the phlebotomist collecting patient/ recipients sample.
Sample receiving, acceptance and preservation

Blood samples of recipient shall be obtained (1) in a stoppered plain vial/ tube (2) in a
vial/ tube containing anticoagulant, with labels having:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
Patient/ recipients full name

Identification number (as applicable) Optional for small nursing homes)
Name of hospital
Ward/ bed number (Optional)
Date and time
When recipients blood sample is received in the laboratory, a qualified member of the
staff shall confirm that the information on the label and on the transfusion request form
is tallying. In case of any discrepancy or doubt, a new sample shall be obtained.
Preferably samples shall be identified by unique blood bank/ blood centre registration
number. A numeric and/or alphanumeric system shall be used. Any advanced
technology for identification such as barcode system is preferable.
37
Blood bank / blood centre shall have a procedure describing the indications, limitations,
and exceptions for the use of hemolyzed and lipemic specimens.
Retaining and storing of blood sample
The recipients blood sample and a segment from each donor unit shall be retained at
4-6oC 2oC for 7 days after each transfusion.
In case of a need for transfusion after 48 hours of earlier transfusion, a fresh sample
shall be asked for to perform a cross match.
6.7.3
Pre-transfusion testing
6.7.3.1
Testing of recipient blood

ABO grouping shall be determined by testing red cells with anti-A, anti-B, anti-AB sera
(anti-AB is optional if monoclonal anti-A and anti-B are used) and testing serum or
plasma for expected antibodies with fresh pooled A, B and O cells (pool of 3 for each
group) using tube/ microplate method/Column Agglutination Technology (or by any
other validated manual or automated methods).
Determination of Rh (D) type
The Rh (D) type shall be determined with anti-D reagents from 2 different sources by
tube/ microplate method/ Column Agglutination Technology (or by any other
validated manual or automated methods). If negative it shall be labelled as Rh-(D)
negative.
Test for detection of unexpected antibodies
Serum/ plasma of the recipient should be tested for unexpected antibodies with pooled
O Rh(D) positive cells or screening red cell panel to detect clinically significant
antibodies. If on screening, antibody (ies) is/ are detected, this/ these should be
identified by red cell panel, if possible.
A control system using red blood cells sensitised by IgG anti-D must be used with
antiglobulin tests.
6.7.3.2
Repeat testing of donor blood

The blood bank/ blood centre performing crossmatching shall confirm ABO and Rh(D)
group of all blood units using a sample obtained from an attached segment.
Crossmatch
A sample of donor cells from a segment attached to the bag and recipient serum or
plasma shall be crossmatched. The method used shall demonstrate ABO
incompatibility and clinically significant unexpected complete and/or incomplete
antibodies and shall include an antiglobulin test.
38
If clinically significant antibody (ies) is not detected during the antibody screening test
and if there is no record of previous alloantibodies and no history of transfusion or
pregnancy within the past three months, then an antiglobulin crossmatch is not
required. An immediate spin may be performed.
If clinically significant antibodies are detected in the recipient, blood lacking
corresponding antigens on cells shall be crossmatched and issued or compatible units
will be identified by trial method by cross matching multiple units.
Issuing Incompatible Blood: In certain clinical conditions, where autoantibodies are
present, the best compatible (least incompatible) unit shall be issued with specific
instructions to clinicians.
Minor cross matching using donor serum or plasma and recipients cells shall not be
deemed necessary as tests for complete and incomplete unexpected antibodies in
donor sample are mandatory.
6.7.4
Issue of blood and its component
6.7.4.1
Issue of blood
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a well defined policy for issue of blood/ blood
components both routine and emergency cases.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a written procedure outlining who can collect
blood/ blood components, how it will be transported and delivered to ward.
Blood/ blood components shall be issued by the blood bank/ blood centre along with
compatibility label attached to the blood bag and the compatibility report.
A portion of the integral tube with at least one numbered segment shall remain
attached with the blood bag being issued.
The compatibility report shall have patient/ recipients first name with surname, age,
sex, identification number, ward, bed number, and ABO and Rh(D) type.
The report shall have donor unit identification number, ABO and Rh (D) type and
expiry date of the blood.
Method used for compatibility test, interpretation of compatibility test, the name of the
person performing the test and issuing the blood/ blood component, date and time of
issue of blood/ blood component shall be recorded.
A label or a tag with patient/ recipients name, hospital name, identification number,
blood unit number assigned by the collecting/ intermediary facility and interpretation of
the cross matching test, shall also be attached to the blood bag container before it is
issued from the blood bank/ blood centre.
39

Each unit of blood shall be visually inspected before issue. It shall not be issued if
there is any evidence of leakage, hemolysis or suspicion of microbial contamination
such as unusual turbidity, or change of colour.
Turn around Time (TAT): TAT of Blood/ blood component issues both routine and
Emergency shall be monitored and reported to NABH once in 6 months along with
other quality indicators. Where IT help is not adequate to audit all transfusions for TAT
a representative random sample will be audited every month.
6.7.4.2
Re-issue of blood/ blood component

After issue the blood bank/ blood centre shall not take back the blood/ blood
component into inventory if the cold chain is broken and the blood/ blood component is
returned to the blood bank/ blood centre after 30 minutes. The blood bank/ blood
centre shall have a policy and procedure for acceptance and reissue of blood/ blood
component unit/s returned in cases where the cold chain is not broken.
6.7.4.3
Urgent requirement of blood/ blood component

Blood or blood components shall be issued before completion of routine cross
matching tests, in case where delay in providing blood/ blood component may
jeopardize the patient/ recipients life, on receipt of a signed written request of the
treating physician stating that the clinical condition of the patient/ recipient is
sufficiently urgent to require the issuance of blood/ blood component before
completing ABO and Rh(D) tests and compatibility testing. Records of such requests
shall be retained for 5 years.
Under such circumstances, recipients whose ABO and Rh(D) type is not known shall
receive red cells of group O Rh(D) negative if available, otherwise O Rh(D) positive
blood shall be used.
Recipients whose ABO and Rh(D) has been determined shall preferably receive ABO
specific and Rh(D) compatible Whole Blood/Packed Red Cells, and /or ABO and Rh(D)
compatible Packed Red Cells.
The donor tag or label on the blood container and the crossmatch report form shall
indicate that compatibility testing has not been completed at the time of issue.
However, standard compatibility test shall be completed promptly. If discrepancy in the
result is noted, the concerned clinician shall be informed immediately.
6.7.4.4
Selection of blood and components for transfusion

Whole blood, red cell component
Recipient shall receive ABO type specific compatible whole blood or red blood cell
components. In the absence of ABO type specific blood, group O packed red cells
shall be transfused. Rh(D) negative recipient shall receive Rh(D) negative whole blood
or red blood cell components except for reasonable qualifying circumstances when Rh
positive may be issued only when Rh antibodies are absent and with due consent of
40

treating physician. Rh(D) positive recipient can receive either Rh(D) positive or
negative whole blood or red blood cell components.
If clinically significant unexpected antibodies are detected in recipient, whole blood or
red blood cells component, which do not have corresponding antigens and are
compatible shall be transfused. On reasonable qualifying circumstance indicated by
the clinician, a least incompatible unit shall be issued with instructions to clinician to
transfuse under constant observation.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall lay down a policy for issue of blood in autoimmune
haemolytic anaemia (AIHA).
Single donor plasma and fresh frozen plasma
Single donor plasma or fresh frozen plasma shall be ABO type specific/ compatible
with recipients red blood cells. For cryoprecipitate ABO/ Rh grouping is not must.
Platelets concentrate
Platelet concentrates shall be ABO and Rh (D) type specific or compatible with the
recipient blood. In case of shortage platelet concentrate of any ABO/ Rh group shall be
used provided there is no visual red cell contamination of the platelet concentrate. In
case of apheresis platelets, plasma shall be reduced when plasma incompatible
concentrate is to be transfused (e.g. O group to B group patient/ recipient).
Granuloycte concentrate shall be ABO and Rh(D) type specific or compatible with the
recipient blood. Granulocyte concentrate shall be irradiated before transfusion.
6.7.4.5
Massive transfusion
In cases of Massive Transfusion (amount of blood equal to or greater than recipients
total blood volume transfused within 24 hours) a fresh blood sample, collected after
active bleeding is controlled, is used for crossmatching for issue of blood for
subsequent transfusion. Component therapy shall be actively considered in these
cases. Every blood bank/ blood centre shall evolve a massive transfusion protocol in
consultation with clinicians.
Exchange transfusion of a neonate/infant is also considered a massive transfusion.
6.7.4.6
Neonates
For ABO grouping of neonates only cell grouping with anti-A, anti-B and anti-AB sera
shall be required.
Serum of the mother shall be tested for unexpected antibody (ies) or alternatively a
DAT (DCT) may be performed on the neonatal sample as part of antibody screening,
to detect maternal antibodies coating the neonatal red cells.
41

In the management of haemolytic disease of the newborn it is preferable to use
mothers serum for the crossmatching. In absence of mothers serum, childs serum
shall be used for compatibility testing.
Neonatal recipient shall not be transfused with whole blood/ plasma/ component
containing clinically significant antibodies. Generally red cells with additive solution are
avoided for neonatal transfusion.
For exchange transfusion or in hypoxic condition, it is recommended that the blood is
screened for haemoglobin S if possible.
Paediatric blood collection bags are available and are preferable for use.
Multiple blood bags shall be used to make one aliquot for adult and one for paediatric
transfusion.
Blood not exceeding 5 days, shall be used for exchange transfusion.
6.7.5
Records of recipient
Blood requisition form with full particulars of recipient and identification number
Results of ABO and Rh (D) tests and their interpretation
Interpretation of compatibility tests
Compatibility record
Report of adverse reaction and record of their investigation
Issue Register shall have:

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
6.7.6
Date and time of issue

Particulars of patient/ recipient and his/ her ABO and Rh (D) type
Identification number and segment number of red cells units issued, ABO and
Rh (D) type, blood/ component issued, quantity in units or ml (in case of
paediatric transfusions).
Compatibility records.
Signature of persons issuing and receiving components
Transfusion related advices (for clinicians):

It shall be the responsibility of blood bank/ blood centre to provide continuing medical
education to all clinicians by way of transfusion related advices, hospital transfusion
committee meeting and additionally seminars and workshops whenever possible.
6.7.6.1
Informed consent
The patient/ recipient shall be informed about his/ her need for blood, alternatives
available, as well as risks involved in transfusion and non-transfusion. His/ her written
consent shall be taken in the language he/ she understands best only after providing
information. For minors and unconscious patient/s recipients the next of kin shall sign
the informed consent.
42

6.7.6.2 Identification of recipient and donor unit
Immediately before transfusion, the transfusionist shall verify the identification of the
patient/ recipient using established method. Details on the compatibility label attached
to the blood bag shall be preferably compared against details on the patient wrist band.
Transfusion shall be withheld if any discrepancy is found.
All identifications (Blood Bag labels) attached to the container shall remain attached at
least until the transfusion is over.
The blood compatibility report/label shall be attached in the patient/ recipients file.
6.7.6.3
Supervision
Transfusion shall be given under medical supervision. The transfusionist shall observe
the patient/ recipient for an appropriate time at the initial stage and during the
transfusion to observe any evidence of untoward reaction and to regulate the speed of
transfusion.
To ensure Good Clinical Practice (GCP) the user hospital shall formulate a hospital
transfusion committee.
6.7.6.4
Administration of blood and blood components

Blood and blood components shall be maintained at optimum temperature before
transfusion.
The transfusion shall be given with sterile, pyrogen-free and disposable transfusion set
with filter. The transfusion shall be started as early as possible on receipt of blood.
Warming of blood to body temperature shall be done in case of rapid transfusion,
massive transfusion, exchange transfusion in infants and patient/ recipients with cold
agglutinins. Warming of blood shall be accomplished using a blood warming device
attached to the transfusion set. The warming system shall be equipped with a visible
thermometer and ideally with an audible alarm system.
Medication shall never be added to whole blood or components. Similarly no other
intravenous fluid except 0.9% sodium chloride injection I.P. shall be administrated with
blood components.
Red cells shall not be administered with I.V. solution containing calcium, dextrose or
Ringer Lactate solution.
6.7.6.5
Guidelines for transfusion practices

There shall be a written protocol for administration of blood and blood components.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall evolve a protocol for correct patient identification
using two independent identifiers.
43

Training of Staff for Transfusion: Ward staff, Technicians and other hospital staff
involved in the transfusion process shall be regularly trained in patient identification
and blood administration and their competency assessed.
Protocol for administration of blood shall include the use of infusion devices and
auxiliary equipment.
For appropriate use of blood, guidelines approved by the Hospital Transfusion
Committee (HTC) shall be used.
6.7.6.6
Special considerations for use of components

Red Cell Transfusion
Red cell transfusion shall be ABO and Rh (D) compatible.
Transfusion of one unit of red cells shall not take longer than 4 hours and should begin
within 30 minutes of taking out of refrigerator.
Fresh frozen Plasma
Plasma transfusion shall be ABO compatible. Cross matching tests are usually not
performed on plasma. Plasma is thawed at temperature of 30-37oC. Thawed plasma
shall be infused without delay to avoid bacterial proliferation. If it is used as a source of
labile coagulation factors, it shall be used immediately and in any case within 6 hours
after thawing. If used for a purpose other than labile coagulation factor replacement, it
shall be transfused within 24 hours after it is thawed and stored at 1-6oC.
Cryoprecipitate
Cryoprecipitate is thawed at 30-37oC for not more than 15 minutes and shall be
transfused as early as possible after issue. ABO compatibility is not required.
Single donor plasma
After thawing, single donor plasma shall be transfused immediately. If not, it shall be
stored at 1-6oC and used within 24 hours.
Cryopoor plasma
The plasma left after separation of cryoprecipitate shall be immediately frozen and
used within five years of collection. The component shall be thawed at temperature of
30-37oC and shall be used within 24 hours if stored at 1-6oC.
Platelets and leucocytes
Platelets shall be ABO-identical but in absence of availability of ABO-compatible
platelets, ABO-incompatible platelets can be used. If there is visible red cell
contamination in platelet and leucocytes concentrate, group specific and cross
matched product shall be used.
44

Platelets and leucocytes shall be administered through
Microaggregate filters shall not be used for these components.
standard
filter.
Platelets and leucocytes shall be infused at the rate of 1-2 ml/ minute or as tolerated
by the patient/ recipient.
Irradiation
Irradiation shall be done in the following cases:
Granulocyte concentrates shall be irradiated before transfusion
Cellular components shall be irradiated in order to reduce the risk of posttransfusion graft versus host disease (GVHD) when a patient/ recipient is
identified as being at risk for GVHD. e.g. for all immunosuppressed patient/
recipients including bone marrow transplant (BMT) patient/ recipients
When blood from a blood relative is used
In case of intrauterine transfusion
The minimum dose delivered to the centre of the blood or platelet bag shall be 25 Gy
2 and to any other part of the bag, it should be 15 Gy.
Verification of dose delivery system of the irradiator shall be performed and
documented annually.
The component irradiated shall be labelled accordingly.
Irradiated components can be issued to immunologically normal patient/ recipient
provided there is compliance with required storage condition and protocols of issue.
The expiry date, in case of red cell concentrates will be 28 days from the date of
irradiation or collection date whichever is earlier. In case of neonates, the component
shall be transfused within 24 hours of irradiation.
The irradiation facility may be shared and the user shall be informed about it.
Leukoreduced Components
A leukoreduced component (PRBC/SDP) has less than 5 million WBCs per bag. The
same may be prepared by use of inline leukoreduction, use of off line leukoreduction
filters, or by use of apheresis equipments.
Storage shall depend on whether a closed or open system is in use. The verification of
leucocyte reduction shall be done on 1% of components prepared of which 75% should
contain less than 5 x 106 leukocytes in the blood bag (PRBC/SDP). Leukoreduced
Platelet concentrates (RDP) shall have less than 8.3 X 105 per bag.
45
6.8
Transfusion Reaction and Evaluation
6.8.1
Error prevention
As the most common cause of haemolytic transfusion reaction is a clerical error, a
system of preventing such error shall be in place.
The request form shall have the phlebotomists name and initials.
The blood group of the bag being issued shall be re-confirmed by testing the sample
from the donor tubing attached to the bag.
Instructions shall be given to transfusionists to crosscheck the Blood group, unit
number as well as segment number on the bag with the compatibility report and also
ensure that the identity of intended recipient matches that on compatibility report.
Bar coding should be introduced and used where ever feasible.
6.8.2
Immediate complications
If there are symptoms or findings suggestive of a haemolytic transfusion reaction,
transfusion shall be discontinued and the following shall be done immediately and
records maintained:
a) Checks for clerical errors.
b) Examination of post-transfusion sample along with the blood bag that caused the
reaction.
c) Testing of patient sample in accordance with National haemovigilance Program of
India( NHvPI) Guidelines.
d) Classification of the reaction as mandated by NHvPI
e)
The label on the blood container and all other records shall be checked to detect
if there has been an error in identifying the patient/ recipient or the blood unit,
f)
A post transfusion properly labelled blood sample, (avoiding haemolysis) shall be

obtained from the patient/ recipient from different site and sent to transfusion
services along with blood container and attached transfusion set,
g)
The patient/ recipients post-reaction serum or plasma shall be inspected for

evidence of haemolysis, comparing with pre-transfusion sample,
h)
A direct antiglobulin test shall be done on the post transfusion specimen.

Based on evaluation of clinical findings, review of accuracy of records and result
of laboratory tests, additional tests shall be done such as:
a)
Determination of ABO and Rh(D) type on pre and post reaction blood sample
from the patient/ recipient and from the blood bag
b)
Repeat tests for unexpected antibodies in donor and recipients blood and repeat
cross match using pre and post reaction blood samples of the patient/ recipient
and donor blood from the bag
46
c)
Visual examination of post transfusion urine shall be carried out for haemolysis
d)
Determination of bilirubin concentration in serum shall be obtained preferably 5 to

7 hours after the transfusion
e)
Supernatant plasma and remaining blood in the blood container as well as the
post reaction sample of the patient/ recipient shall be tested for bacteria by smear
and culture
If investigations are suggestive of a haemolytic reaction or bacterial contamination,

patient/ recipients physician shall be informed immediately.
6.8.3
Delayed complications
Appropriate test (antibody screening and test for TTI) shall be done to detect the cause
of delayed reaction. A record shall be maintained in patient/ recipients medical file.
Reported cases of suspected transfusion-transmitted disease shall be evaluated. If
confirmed, the involved blood unit shall be identified in the report. Attempt shall be
made to recall the donor for counselling and retesting. Other recipients who received
components from the suspected blood unit shall also be investigated. The remaining
components shall be discarded.
6.8.4
Detection, reporting & evaluation of transfusion reaction

Each blood bank/ blood centre shall have a system for detection, reporting and
evaluation of suspected adverse reaction to transfusion (hemovigilance). In the event
of suspected transfusion reaction, the personnel attending the patient/ recipient shall
notify immediately the responsible physician and transfusion service with necessary
documentation and appropriate sample.
All suspected transfusion reactions shall be evaluated promptly. The evaluation shall
not delay proper clinical management of the patient/ recipient.
The details of all cases along with the interpretation of evaluation shall be recorded
and reported to the hospital transfusion committee.
There shall be a written protocol for the investigation of transfusion reactions.
6.9
Documentation in Transfusion Service

Each blood bank/ blood centre shall develop a practical record keeping system, which
serves its needs.
The record system shall make it possible to trace a unit of blood/ component from
source (donor and collecting facility) to final destinations.
The system shall ensure confidentiality of donor and patient/ recipient records.
47

Records shall be legible and any corrections would be made by only authorized person
who shall initial them with date.
Date of performance of procedures, tests and interpretation shall be recorded.
All records shall be retained for a minimum of 5 years or according to national or state
requirement. For donor retention programme, it is preferable to maintain donor records
for a longer term.
Regular reports shall be submitted to respective authority as per the requirement of the
state.
Records for donor and donors blood/ components see clause no. 6.2.1.10.
Record of recipient see clause no 6.7.5.
For other record, see Annexure E.
6.10
Histocompatibility Testing
Histocompatibility testing refers to the determination of tissue antigens and their
immunologic reactions. Testing includes isolation of cells such as lymphocytes,
platelets, granulocytes and other tissue cells, HLA typing for A, B, C, DP, DR and DQ
locus antigens, antibody detection cross-matching and mixed lymphocyte culture.
Terminology of HLA antigens shall conform to the nomenclature adopted by the World
Health Organisation.
Centres having facility of histocompatibility testing shall have the defined processes,
procedures and equipment for HLA typing reagents, HLA typing, compatibility testing,
sample identification, HLA antibody detection, lymphocytotoxicity cross match,
pretransfusion transplant and records. Such centres shall participate in an EQAS
program.
6.11
Quality Control (Also see Annexure D)
6.11.1
ABO and anti-D reagents

A vial of every new batch/ lot shall be checked for its potency (titre) besides specificity
and avidity on receipt.
All the antisera and other reagents used for serological work in blood bank/ blood
centre shall be checked daily for their specificity and avidity, using known positive and
negative controls.
All reagents showing turbidity and discoloration suggesting contamination shall be
discarded.
Manufacturers package insert shall specify titre, avidity and all other relevant
information.
48

Methods followed shall be as per manufacturers instructions.
No reagents after date of expiry should be used.
At any given time, there shall be two different batches of anti-D reagents available
either from two different manufacturers or two different batches from the same
manufacturer.
6.11.2
Reagent red blood cells

Cells shall be prepared by pooling, daily and shall be free of haemolysis. There shall
be a minimum pool of 3 individual cells for each group.
Each batch of reagent cells (A, B and O) for serum grouping prepared shall be tested
to confirm specificity.
6.11.3
Red cell panel

Either commercially available or in house prepared panels shall be in use.
6.11.4
Anti-human globulin reagent

One vial from every new batch/ lot shall be checked for its specificity and reactivity
using (incomplete anti-Rh) IgG coated cells.
Each test shall include positive and negative controls.
Non-sensitised A, B and O cells shall be checked to rule out non-specific reactions.
All negative AHG tests shall be confirmed by addition of IgG coated cells or by running
IgG coated cells as controls in the test. IgG coated cells shall give positive
agglutination.
6.11.5
Bovine serum albumin

The reagent shall be free of the non-specific agglutinins and shall not react with saline
suspension of A, B and O cells.
Reagent shall give positive reaction with Rh (D) positive cells coated with incomplete
anti-Rh (D).
6.11.6
Enzyme reagents
Enzymes such as papain, ficin, trypsin or bromelin shall be used for detection of
incomplete antibodies.
Using the standard technique employed by individual laboratory, the reagent shall give
specific result using incomplete anti-Rh(D) with positive and negative control.
Preparation of working reagent shall be by standard method.
49

Enzyme shall be aliquoted and stored in frozen state. Only required amount for the day
shall be thawed.
The unused enzyme remaining at the end of each day shall be discarded.
6.11.7
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, anti-HCV and anti-HIV 1 & 2 test

Use of enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA)/ Rapid test is recommended,
using kits approved by CDSCO. Any another recent approved technology with same or
increased sensitivity may be used.
Test shall be performed as per the instructions of the manufacturer.
Positive and negative control (kit control or in-house) shall be run with every batch,
and shall be interpreted with Levy-Jennings Chart (L-J Chart) and as per Westgard
Rules.
Rapid tests approved by CDSCO shall be used for screening in emergency, in rural
areas, any centre collecting small volumes or where power and maintenance is a
problem.
6.11.8
Test for syphilis

VDRL or TPHA or RPR or ELISA method can be used. Test shall be performed as per
manufacturers instructions. Positive and negative controls (kit control and or in-house)
must be included with every batch.
6.11.9
Normal saline and buffered solutions

These solutions shall be checked daily for pH between 6.7 - 7.2. Absence of
haemolysis with random A, B and O cells provide useful indications for its suitability.
6.11.10 Blood component

For quality of blood components, see Annexure D.
Add QC criteria for Hb estimation for different methods like Hemoglobinometer, Copper
Sulphate, Sahlis etc.
6.12
Proficiency Testing Programme

The blood bank/ blood centre shall participate in External Quality Assurance Scheme
(EQAS)/ Proficiency Testing Programme (PT).
It shall monitor the results of these programmes and participate in implementation of
corrective action when control criteria are not fulfilled.
Whenever a formal EQAS/ PT programme is not available, the blood bank/ blood
centre shall develop a mechanism for determining the acceptability of procedures not
otherwise evaluated.
50

They can participate in a suitable inter-laboratory comparison or adopt alternative
methods to validate performance.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall document, record and as appropriate expeditiously
act upon results from this comparison.
Problems and deficiencies identified shall be acted upon and record of action retained.
6.13
Bio-medical waste disposal and laboratory safety in blood bank/ blood

centre
6.13.1
Protection of blood bank/ blood centre personnel against laboratory infection

All laboratory personnel shall be informed of the hazards including transmission of viral
infection involved in working in a blood bank/ blood centre laboratory.
Incidental exposure to infected samples like bag breakage, splash, and needle stick
injury shall immediately be reported and recorded with the concerned authorities. Use
post exposure prophylaxis as per guidelines of regulatory authority. Eye wash facility
shall be available.
Immunization of the blood bank/ blood centre staff against hepatitis-B infection should
be implemented after appropriate tests like Anti-HBs titre.
6.13.2
Safety in the laboratory: The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a policy and
procedure to ensure laboratory safety which shall include the following:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)
m)
6.13.3
All staff working in laboratories shall be adequately trained in the safety aspects
of the lab,
Staff shall behave in a safe and responsible manner at all times,
Access to the lab shall be restricted to authorized personnel only,
Appropriate protective clothing shall be worn at all times, this includes aprons and
gloves,
Eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetic and handling contact lens shall
prohibited in the lab,
Mouth pipetting shall be prohibited in the lab,
Care shall be taken to avoid the formation of aerosols or splashing of materials,
All work surfaces shall be decontaminated after any spillage and at the end of
each working day,
All contaminated waste or reusable materials shall be appropriately
decontaminated before disposal or reuse,
In case of needle stick injury wash the exposed site thoroughly with soap and
running water,
Document an incident in a report,
Dispose all sharps in puncture proof containers.
Blood bank/ blood centre shall list out chemicals used and have material safety
data sheets.
Disposal of Blood and Laboratory Material

Method of disposal of Blood Bags
51

Should comply with requirements of Biomedical Wastes Rules of Ministry of
Environment and Forests and local Pollution Control Board.
Disinfection of glassware
All reusable glassware shall be disinfected by treating with hypochlorite and detergent
before cleaning. Subsequently glassware must be kept in hot-air oven at 160oC for 1
hour.
Spills on the table tops/ sinks
This spill shall be covered with filter papers or plain cloth and soaked with 1%
hypochlorite solution for at least 30 minutes and later swabbed.
Hypochlorite/ detergent solution
0.5 - 1.0 percent solution of hypochlorite is the best general-purpose disinfectant if
contact is maintained for at least 30 minutes (except for metallic equipment which
could be autoclaved or put in 2% glutaraldehyde).
Disposal by Sterilisation
Autoclaving for 30 minutes at 121oC and 15 p.s.i (68.5 cm Hg) shall be the method of
choice. Validation with use of biological indicator (Bacillus sterothermophilus) shall be
done at least once a month.
52
7.
IDENTIFICATION OF DEVIATIONS AND ADVERSE EVENTS
7.1
Policies and procedures when non-conformity is detected
7.1.1
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a defined policy and procedure to be
implemented when any aspect of its test analysis or function does not conform to laid
down procedures.
7.1.2
The procedure to analyse the nonconformity and the corrective action to be taken with
resumption of the work shall be laid down. This procedure shall be carried out under
the guidance of a suitably defined person.
7.1.3
The corrective action shall be appropriate with the medical significance of

nonconformity.
7.2
Procedures for release of non-conforming blood component
7.2.1
In case non conformity in collection and preparation of blood/ component is detected,

the blood bank/ blood centre shall have a policy and procedure for identification,
quarantine, retrieval and recall of non-conforming blood/ components with detailed root
cause analysis.
Blood/ components that are detected after issue as not conforming to specify
requirement, shall be evaluated to determine the effect of non-conformity on the quality
of the product/ effect on recipient.
7.2.2
The Director/ In-charge blood bank/ blood centre shall be responsible for release/
discard of blood/ blood components where nonconformity is detected.
7.2.3
The event shall be recorded.
7.3
Preventing recurrence of non-conformity

If after root cause analysis it is determined that non conformity could recur or it creates
a doubt about its compliance with laid down policies and procedures, then the blood
bank/ blood centre shall have a procedure to identify, document and eliminate the non
conformance.
53
8.
PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
8.1
Addressing complaints
8.1.1
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a policy for addressing complaints, or other
feedback received from donors, clinicians, blood camp organizers or other individuals/
organizations. Blood bank/Blood centre shall develop a mechanism for capturing
feedback from donors, patients and Clinicians on a periodic basis. These can be used
as improvement tools.
8.1.2
Record of complaints, investigations and corrective actions taken by the blood bank/
blood centre shall be maintained. Complaints may be verbal or written.
8.2
Corrective action
8.2.1
Root cause analysis

Procedure for corrective action shall include a process of investigation to determine
root cause of the problem
The corrective action shall be appropriate to the magnitude of the problem and shall be
commensurate with the risk encountered.
8.2.2
Implementation and monitoring changes resulting from corrective action

The blood bank/ blood centre shall document and implement any changes required
after investigation as a corrective action.
Blood bank/ blood centre management shall monitor the results of any corrective
action taken, in order to ensure that they have been effective in overcoming the
identified problems. Whenever the investigation casts doubt on compliance with
policies and procedures, blood bank/ blood centre shall ensure that an additional audit
is done for that area.
8.2.3
Documentation of corrective action

All corrective actions taken shall be documented and recorded with root cause
analysis and shall be submitted to management review meeting.
8.3
Preventive action
8.3.1
Preventive action is a proactive process for identifying opportunities for improvement,

whenever they are identified either technical or otherwise, concerning the quality
management system. An action plan shall be developed, implemented and monitored
to reduce the likelihood of occurrence of such non-conformities.
8.3.2
Procedures for preventive action shall be implemented and followed up for its
effectiveness.
54
8.4
Continuous quality improvement
8.4.1
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a process to identify, collect and evaluate
quality indicator data which shall be from collection to transfusion on regular basis to
evaluate and monitor continuous quality improvement. The blood bank/blood centre
shall evaluate data on Quality indicators continuously.
8.4.2
Enrolment in National Haemovigilance Program of India: Blood banks/ blood centres

shall enrol under National Haemovigilance Program of India and monitor adverse
donor reactions and adverse transfusion reactions as per the directives given.
55
9.
DOCUMENT CONTROL
9.1
Procedure for document control and review of documents
9.1.1
Blood bank/ blood centres shall define document and maintain procedures to control
all documents and information (from internal and external sources) that form its quality
documentation.
Note: In this context, document is any information or instructions, including policy
statements, text books, procedures, specifications, calibration tables, biological
reference intervals and their origins, charts, posters, notices, memoranda, software,
drawings, plans, and documents of external origin such as regulations, standards or
examination procedures.
9.1.2
Procedures shall be adopted to ensure that, all documents issued to blood bank/ blood
centre personnel, as part of the quality management system, are reviewed and
approved by authorized personnel prior to issue.
9.1.3
A list, also referred to as a document control log, identifying the current valid
revisions and their distribution shall be maintained.
9.1.4
Only currently authorized versions of appropriate documents shall be available for

active use at relevant locations.
9.1.5
Documents are periodically reviewed, revised when necessary, and approved

by authorized personnel.
9.1.6
Invalid or obsolete documents shall be promptly removed from all points of use, or
otherwise assured against inadvertent use.
9.1.7
Retained or archived superseded documents a shall be appropriately identified to

prevent their inadvertent use.
9.1.8
If the blood bank/ blood centre documentation control system allows for the
amendment of documents by hand, pending the re-issue of documents, the
procedures and authorities for such amendments shall be defined. Amendments are
clearly marked, initialled and dated, and a revised document shall be formally reissued as soon as practicable.
9.1.9
Procedures shall be established to describe how changes to documents maintained in

computerized systems are to be made and controlled.
9.2
Documents required
For all the documents required please refer to Annexure E.
A copy of all controlled documents shall be archived for later reference and the blood
bank/ blood centre director/ in-charge shall define the retention period. These
controlled documents may be maintained on any appropriate medium, as soft copy or
56

hard copy. National, regional and local regulations concerning document retention
shall apply.
9.3
Maintenance of documents in computer software

Electronic Records
There shall be processes and procedures to support the management of computer
system.
There shall be a process in place for routine backup of all critical data.
An alternative method to be used during system breakdown must be known. Hard
copies (wherever necessary) should be available even when documentation is
electronically maintained.
The alternate system shall support maintenance of continuous operations.
Procedures shall be in place to ensure that data are retrievable and usable.
Personnel must be trained.
Validation of system, integrity and security of data shall be ensured.
The records required by Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, 25th Edition 2016 shall
additionally be maintained as hard copies.
57
10.
RECORDS
10.1
Record identification
All records shall be uniquely identified and appropriately labelled.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have policies and procedures to ensure that
records are identified, compiled, indexed, reviewed, retained and disposed in
accordance with record retention policies.
10.2
Quality and technical records

The blood bank/ blood centre shall retain records of original observation, derived data
of both quality and technical aspects. Sufficient information to establish calibration
record, staff record, copy of each test report, and calibration certificate shall be kept for
defined period.
All records shall be legible and stored in such a way that they are readily retrievable.
Records may be stored on any appropriate medium subject to national, regional or
local requirements. Facilities shall provide a suitable environment to prevent damage,
deterioration, loss or unauthorized access.
The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a procedure to trace any unit of blood/
component from its source to its final issue/ disposition by review of records.
10.3
Records retaining period

The blood bank/ blood centre shall have a policy that defines the length of time
various records are to be retained.
National, regional and local regulation must be followed.
For maintaining and retention of records see Annexure E.
58
11.
INTERNAL AUDIT & MANAGEMENT REVIEW
11.1
Policy for internal audit and management review

Internal audit and management review shall be conducted at regular intervals in order
to verify that operations continue to comply with the requirements of the quality
management system.
11.2
Procedure of internal audit

Audits shall be formally planned, organized, carried out by the quality manager or
designated qualified and trained personnel. Personnel shall not audit their own
activities. The procedures for internal audits shall be defined and documented and
include the type of audit, frequencies, methodologies and required documentation.
When deficiencies or opportunities for improvement are noted, the blood bank/ blood
centre shall undertake appropriate corrective and/ or preventive actions, which shall be
documented and carried out within agreed time frame.
All elements of quality management system including managerial and technical shall
normally be subject to internal audit once every twelve months.
11.3
Procedure for management review
11.3.1
Blood bank/ blood centre management shall review the blood bank/ blood centre
quality management system and all of its medical services, including examination and
advisory activities, to ensure their continuing suitability and effectiveness in support of
donor and/ or patient/ recipient care and to introduce necessary changes or
improvements. The results of the review shall be incorporated into a plan that includes
goals, objectives and action plans. A typical period for conducting a management
review is once every twelve months.
11.3.2
The management review shall take account of but not be limited to, the reports from
management and supervisory personnel, the outcome of recent internal and external
audit, feedback, complaints, and non-conformities with corrective and preventive
action.
11.4
Documentation of internal audit and management review

The results of internal audits shall be submitted to blood bank/ blood centre
management for review with proper documentation including follow up corrective
action.
Findings and the actions that arise from management review(s) shall be recorded, and
the decisions taken implemented. Blood bank/ blood centre management shall ensure
that actions arising out of reviews are discharged within an appropriate and agreed
time frame.
59
Annexure - A
Requirements for Storage, Transportation and Expiration

Item Component
No.
Storage
Transport
Expiration
Additional
Criteria
Whole Blood components

1
Whole Blood
Whole
Irradiated
Cooling
ACD/ CPD/ CP2D: 21
towards
days
0
0
4-8 C 2 C CPDA-1:- 35 days
0
0
4-8 C 2 C Original expiration or 28
days from date of
irradiation, whichever is
earlier
0
0
4-8 C 2 C ACD/ CPD/ CP2D: 21
days
CPDA-1: 35 days
Additive solution: 42
days
Open system: 24 hours
4C2C
Blood
4C2C
Red Blood Cell Components

3
Red Blood Cells
4C2C
Deglycerolized
RBCs
4C2C
0
0
4-8 C 2 C Open system: 24 hours
closed system:14 days
Frozen RBCs 40%

Glycerol
<-65 C if
40%
Glycerol
Maintain
frozen
state
RBCs Irradiated
4C2C
RBCs Leukocytes
Reduced
4C2C
Rejuvenated RBCs
4C2C
Deglycerolised
Rejuvenated RBCs
4C2C
10 years
(A Policy shall be
defined
by
the
individual blood bank/
blood centre, if rare
frozen units are to be
retained beyond this
time)
For freezing red

cells
a
cryoprotective
agent is added to
red cells that are
less than 6 days
old.
0
0
4-8 C 2 C Original expiration or 28
days from date of
irradiation. Whichever is
earlier
0
0
4-8 C 2 C ACD/ CPD/ CP2D:21
days
CPDA-1: 35 days
days
0
0
4-8 C 2 C CPD/ CPDA- 1: 24
hours
AS-1 : freeze after
rejuvenation
Follow
manufacturers
written instructions
0
0
4-8 C 2 C 24 hours
Follow
manufacturers
written instructions
60

Item Component
No.
Storage
10
Frozen Rejuvenated
RBCs
<-65 C
11
Washed RBCs
4C2C
12
Apheresis RBCs
4C2C
13
Apheresis
Leukocytes
Reduced
4C 2C
RBCs
Transport
Expiration
Maintain
frozen
state
10 year
AS-1:3 year
(A Policy shall be defined
by the individual blood
bank/ blood centre, if rare
frozen units are to be
retained beyond this time)
0
0
4-8 C 2 C 24 hours
0
0
4-8 C 2 C CPDA-1 35 days
days
Additional
Criteria
Follow
manufacturers
written
instructions
0
0
4-8 C 2 C CPDA-1 35 days
Additive
solution:
42
days
Open system 24 hours
Platelet Components
0
24 hours to 5 days,
depending
on
collection system
No
change
from
original expiration date

Closed
system:
No
change in expiration
24 hours to 5 days,
depending on collection
system
No
change
from
original expiration date
Open system: within 4

hours of opening the
system Closed system: 5
Days
14
Platelets
0
0
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
with
continuous
gentle
agitation
15
Platelets Irradiated
0
0
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
with
continuous
gentle
agitation
16
Platelets
Leukocytes
Reduced
0
0
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
with
continuous
gentle
agitation
17
Apheresis Platelets
0
0
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
with
continuous
gentle
agitation
18
Apheresis Platelets
Leukocytes reduced
0
0
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
with
continuous
gentle
agitation
19
Apheresis Platelets
Irradiated
0
0
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
with
continuous
gentle
agitation
61

Item Component
No.
Storage
Transport
Expiration
Additional
Criteria
Granulocyte Components
0
24 hours
Transfuse
as
soon possible
No change from original

expiration date
Transfuse
as
soon Possible,
maximum within
24 hours.
12 months from date of

donation
Thaw the FFP at

0
1-6 C.
Place
cryoprecipitate in
the freezer within
1 hour
Open system or pooled:

4 hours Single unit: 6
hours
Thaw at 30-37 C
and transfused
as
soon
as
possible
20
Apheresis
Granulocytes
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
21
Apheresis
Granulocytes
Irradiated
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
Plasma Components
0
22
Cryoprecipitated
AHF
<-30 C
23
Thawed
Cryoprecipitate AHF
22 C 2 C 22 C 2 C
24
Fresh
Frozen
Plasma (FFP)
<-30 C or
lower
25
Thawed FFP
4C 2C
26
Plasma
Cryoprecipitate
Reduced
<-30 C
27
Thawed
Plasma
Cryoprecipitate
Reduced
4C 2C
28
Liquid Plasma
4C 2C
Maintain
frozen
state
Maintain
frozen
state
<-30 C: 12 months
0
0
4-8 C 2 C 24 hours
Maintain
frozen
state
Placed in freezer
within 6 hours of
collection
in
CPD,
CP2D,
CPDA-1
0
Thaw at 30-37 C
5 years from original

collection
0
0
4-8 C 2 C 24 hours
0
0
4-8 C 2 C 24 days from the date
of expiration of whole
blood unit
Thaw at 30-37 C
62
Annexure - B
Requirements for Allogeneic Donor Qualification

Physical Examination
Criteria
Age & Weight
Conform to applicable state law or

18 to 65 years. acceptable>45 Kg
Whole Blood Volume Collected
Maximum of 10 ml per kilogram of donor

weight, including samples
Donation Interval
3 months after whole blood donation

6 months after 2-unit red cell collection.
> 48 hours after platelet/ plasma - pheresis
(and not more than twice a week), and for
platelet pheresis (not more than 24 times a
year)
Blood Pressure
100-160 mm Hg systolic
60-100 mm Hg diastolic
Pulse
50-100 beats per minute, without pathologic

irregularities
<50 beats per minute acceptable if an
otherwise healthy athlete
Temperature
37.5 C if measured orally, or equivalent if

measured by another method
Haemoglobin/ Hematocrit
12.5 g/ dl/ > 38 %
Occupation hazard
Air Crews, drivers of long-distance-heavy-duty vehicles and construction workers on high
buildings are advised not to give blood within 12 hours of going on duty.
Respiratory Infection
Cold, flu, cough, sore throat or acute Defer until all symptoms
temperature normal
sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis
No deferral unless using antibiotics
Asthmatic attack
One week after last attack if chest is clear
Asthmatics on steroids
Defer
subside
and
63

Pregnancy and Abortion
Pregnancy or recently delivered
Defer for 6 months after delivery
Abortion
Defer 6 months after abortion
Breast feeding
12 months after delivery
Surgical Procedures
Major surgery
12 months after recovery
Minor surgery
3 months after recovery
Open heart surgery Including By-pass Permanently defer

surgery
Cancer surgery
Permanently defer
Localized skin cancer that was removed
6 months after removal
Tooth extraction or dental manipulation
Defer for 3 months
Dental surgery under anaesthesia
Defer for 1 month
Heart Disease
Has any active symptom (Chest Pain, Permanently defer

Shortness of breath, swelling of feet)
Restricted activity
Cardiac
medication
nitroglycerine)
Hypertensive on medication
Permanently defer
(digitalis, Permanently defer
Permanently defer
Cardio-Vascular Diseases
Myocardial infarction
Permanently defer
Coronary artery disease
Permanently defer
Angina pectoris
Permanently defer
Rheumatic heart disease with residual Permanently defer

damage
Seizures
Convulsions and Epilepsy
Permanently defer
Endocrinal Disorders
Permanently defer
64
Infectious Disease
Donors should be free from infectious diseases known to be transmissible by blood, so far as
can be determined by usual examination and history.
Viral Hepatitis
Has had hepatitis (jaundice other than Permanently defer

Hepatitis A), Positive test for Hepatitis B
(HBsAg), Hepatitis C (HCV)
Exposure to hepatitis by
Acupuncture or body piercing
Personnel worked in renal dialysis
Received transfusion of blood and its Defer for 12 months

components
Close contact with individual suffering Defer for 12 months

with hepatitis
tattoos, Defer for 12 months

Defer for 12 months
Jaundice
Has ever had jaundice associated with
Newborn
No deferral
Rh disease
No deferral
Gall stone
No deferral
Mononucleosis
No deferral
HIV Infection/ AIDS
High risk group for HIV infection
Permanently defer
HIV positive person
Permanently defer
Donors having symptoms of AIDS
Permanently defer
Malaria
History of malaria in endemic area but duly Accepted 3 months after treatment
treated and free from any symptoms
Syphilis
Genital sore or generalized skin rashes
Defer for 12 months after rashes disappear

and completion of therapy
Gonorrhea
12 months deferral after completion of

therapy
65
Dengue
6 months
Tuberculosis
Defer for 5 years after successful completion

of treatment.
Typhoid
12 months
Fever
Had prolonged or Rheumatic fever
Kidney disease
Defer till fully recovered and off medication
Acute infection of kidney (pylonephritis) Defer for 6 months after cessation

or acute infection of bladder (cystitis)
Chronic kidney disease/ failure
Permanently defer
Digestive system
Stomach ulcer with symptoms or with Permanently defer

recurrent bleeding
Chronic liver disease/ failure
Permanently defer
Vaccination and inoculation

1.
Inoculation with toxoid or a killed viral/ bacterial vaccine

15 days deferral period
Typhoid
Cholera
Diptheria
Tetanus
Plague
Gammaglobulin
2.
No waiting period (if symptoms free)

Paratyphoid
Influenza
Pertusis
Polio (salk vaccine, injection)
Prophylactic Hepatitis B
Rabies as prophylactic
Two weeks deferral before donation if symptoms free
Polio oral (sabine vaccine, oral)

Measles (rubeola)
Mumps
Yellow fever
3.
Four-weeks deferral from time of vaccination

Anti-tetanus serum
Anti-venom serum
Anti-diphtheria serum
66

Anti-gas gangrene serum
Rubella (German measles)
4.
Twelve-months deferral from time of vaccination

Anti-rabies vaccination as a result of animal bite
HBIG (hepatitis B immune globulin)
Immunoglobulins
Medication
If a donor is taking following medicine it may not be in his/ her own interest to donate blood and
may also affect the patient/ recipient who would receive the blood
Medicines
Accepted/ Deferred
Oral contraceptive
Accepted
Analgesics
Accepted
Vitamins
Accepted
Mild sedative and transquillisers
Accepted
Salicylates (aspirin) taken in last three days
Not accepted if blood be used for preparing

platelets
Isotretinoin Used for acne
Defer for 1 month after the last dose
Finasteride
hyperplasia
used to treat benign prostate Defer for 1 month after the Last dose
Oral anti-diabetic drugs with no vascular Acceptable

complication
Diabetics on insulin
Defer while taking the drug
Antibiotics (oral)
Defer for 3 days and till symptoms free
Antibiotics (injection)
Defer for 4 days and till symptoms free/ after

the last injection
Cortisone
Defer for 7 days after the last dose
Medicine to treat Hypercholesterolemia
Accepted
67
Donors taking following medicines are permanently rejected:

Anti-arrhythmics
Immunosuppressive
Anticonvulsions
Pituitary growth hormones of human origin
Anticoagulants
Sedatives or tranquillisers in high dose
Antithyroid drugs
Vasodilators
Cytotoxic drugs
Etretinate to treat psoriasis.
Digitalis
Drugs for Parkinsons Disease
Dilantin
Other conditions requiring Permanent deferral

No person shall donate blood and no blood bank/ blood centre shall draw blood from person,
suffering from any of the disease mentioned below, namely
Cancer
Abnormal bleeding tendencies
Unexplained weight loss
Polycythemia Vera
Leprosy
Schizophrenia
Severe allergic disorders
68
Annexure - C
Requirements of Apheresis Donor Qualification

General Requirements
All the points for selection of whole blood donors shall be considered.
Donor should be preferably repeat donor-might have given blood 1-2 times earlier
Written consent of the donor is taken after explaining the procedure in detail, time taken,
and about possible hazards and benefits.
Venous access is important consideration in apheresis donor and veins should be

examined at the time of selection of donor.
Special Requirements
These are as follows for various apheresis procedures:
1.
2.
Platelet-pheresis
Age
18-65 Years
Weight
>55 Kgs
Platelet count
>150,000/ l
Donors who have taken aspirin-containing medications within 72 hours are deferred.
Interval between two plateletpheresis procedures should be at least 48 hours.
A donor should not undergo the procedure more than 2 times in a week and not
more than 24 times in a year.
Plasmapheresis
a)
Occasional plasmapheresis donor
b)
Donor undergoes plasmapheresis no more than once in 4 weeks.

Donor selection and monitoring are the same as for whole blood donation.
Serial Plasmapheresis donor

i)
If the donors red cells can not be returned during an apheresis procedure,
hemapheresis or whole blood donation should be deferred for 12 weeks.
Allowable plasma volume shall be determined.
At least 48 hours should elapse between successive procedures and
donor should not, ordinarily, undergo more than two procedures within a
7 day period.
69

ii)
3.
4.
5.
Donor undergoing plasmapheresis more often than once every 4 weeks, serum
or plasma must be tested for total protein and serum protein electropheresis,
results must be within normal limits.
Red cells pheresis

a)
For one red cell unit
Donor selection and monitoring is same as for whole blood.
b)
For two red cell unit
Removal of two red cell units in one setting needs 6 months interval for
consecutive procedure.
Granulocyte pheresis
The donors consent must include specific permission for any drugs or sedimenting
agents to be used. eg. hydroxyethyl starch, corticosteroids, growth factors.
Before administration of corticosteroids, donors should be questioned about any

history of symptoms of hypertension, diabetes, and peptic ulcer.
Hematopoietic Progenitor Cell Pheresis (Leukapheresis for Monononulcear cell
(MNC) collection)
The donors consent must include specific permission for any drugs and procedure may be
continued for 2-4 days. eg. hematopoitic growth factor; colony stimulating factors (G-CSF);
Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony stimulating factors (GM-CSF).
70
Annexure - D
Quality Control
1.
Frequency of testing for reagent and solution

Reagents and solutions
Anti human globulin serum
Blood grouping anti sera
Lectins
Red cells for serum grouping
Reagent red cells for antibody screening
Hepatitis reagents
Syphilis serology reagents
Enzymes
HIV 1/ 2 reagent
Normal saline (LISS and PBS)
Bovine albumin
MP by ELISA
Column agglutination cards
Frequency of testing along with Controls

Each day of use
Each day of use
Each day of use
Each day of use
Each day of use
Each run
Each run
Each run
Each run
Each day of use
Each day of use
Each run
Each day of use
NB: All reagents shall be checked for expiry date and used only when within that date.
2.
Quality control of reagent red blood cells

Parameters
Appearance
Reactivity
specificity
3.
Quality Requirement
Frequency of Control
No haemolysis or turbidity in Each day
supernatant by visual inspections
and Positive reactions with known sera Each day
against red blood cells antigens
Quality control of ABO reagent (anti-A, anti-B, and anti-AB)

Parameters
Appearance
Specificity
Avidity
Reactivity
Potency
Quality Requirement
No turbidity, precipitate, particles or
gel formation by visual inspection
Positive reaction with red cells
having corresponding antigen(s);
and no reaction with negative control
Macroscopic agglutination with 50%
red cells suspension in homologous
serum/ normal saline using the slide
test;
10 seconds for anti-A, anti-B and
anti-AB with A1 and/ or B cells at
R.T.
No immune haemolysis, rouleaux
formation or prozone
Undiluted
serum
should
give
Each day
Daily and of each new
lot/ batch
Daily and of each new
lot/ batch
Each new lot/ batch.

Each new lot/ batch.
71

+++reactions in saline tube test
using a 3% red cells suspensions at
R.T., titre should be 256 for anti-A,
anti-B, and anti-AB with A1 and/ or B
cells.
4.
Acceptable titre and avidity of ABO reagents

Anti-sera
Type of the
reagent
Type of red
cells
Titre
Avidity
Time
Intensity
(2-3% cells
suspension)
Anti-A
Polyclonal
Monoclonal
Anti-B
Polyclonal
Monoclonal
Anti-AB
Polyclonal
Monoclonal
5.
A1
A2
A2B
O
B
A1
A2
A2B
O
B
B
A1B
O
A1
B
A1B
O
A1
A1
B
A2
O
A1
B
A2
O
1:256
1:128
1:64
1:256
1:128
1:64
1:256
1:128
1:256
1:128
1:256
1:256
1:64
1:256
1:256
1:128
-
10-12 sec
15-18 sec
15-18 sec
3.4 sec
5-6 sec
5-6 sec
10-12 sec
12-15 sec
3-4 sec
5-6 sec
10-12 sec
10-12 sec
15-18 sec
3-4 sec
3-4 sec
5-6 sec
-
+++
++ To +++
++
+++
++ To +++
++++
+++
++
++++
+++
+++
+++
++ To +++
++++
++++
+++
-
Quality acceptable of Rh anti sera (anti-D)

Parameter
Appearance
Specificity
Avidity
Quality requirement
No turbidity, precipitation, particles
or gel formation by visual
inspection
Positive reaction with pooled Rh
(D) positive cells/ R1R1 cells.
Negative reaction with Rh (D)
negative/ rr cells.
Visible agglutination with 40% red
Frequency of control
Each day
Each day and each new

lot/ batch.
Each day and each new
72
Reactivity
Potency
6.
cells suspension in homologous lot/ batch

serum using the slide test.
No immune haemolysis, rouleaux Each new lot/ batch
formation or prozone phenomenon.
Undiluted
serum
gives
+++ Each new lot/ batch
reactions in designated test for
each serum and a titre 32-64 for
anti-D.
Acceptable titre and avidity of anti-D in anti-Rh (D) reagent

Type of
reagent
Type of
red cells
Titre+
Immediate
spin
IgM
Monoclonal
Titre+
After 30-45
min
incubation
1:128-1:256
Pooled O 1:64-1:128
cells/ or R1
R1 Cells
Blend of IgM
1:32-1:64
1:128-1:256
+IgG
Same as
monoclonal
above
Blend of IgM Same as Same
as Same
as
monoclonal
above
above
above
IgM+Polyclonal
(human) IgG
Poly-clonal
Same as Same
as 1:32-1:64 In
(Human) anti- above
above
Alb/
Enz/
Rh- (D)
AHG test
7.
Avidity
Intensity
5-10 Sec
+++
10-20 Sec
+++
Same
above
as +++
60 sec
+++
Acceptable quality of anti-globulin reagent

Parameter
Appearance
Reactivity
Specificity
Quality requirement
No precipitate, particles or gel Each day
formation by visual in inspection.
and No prozone phenomenon
Each lot
No haemolysis or agglutination of Each day

unsensitized red cells
Agglutination of red cells sensitised Each day and each
with anti-D serum.
new lot/ batch.
73

8.
Quality control of proteases (Enzymes)

Parameter
Quality requirements
Reactivity
No agglutination or haemolysis using inert Each day

AB serum.
Agglutination (+++/ C) of cells sensitised
with a weak IgM (Anti-D).
Potency
An IgG antibody, preferably anti-D Each batch

standardized to give a titre about 32-64 by
the protease technique should show the
same titre on repeated testing with different
batches.
The 2-stage enzyme titre should at least be Each batch
equal to the titre obtained with IgG (anti-D)
by AHG test
9.
10.
Quality Control of 22% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)

Parameter
Quality requirement
Appearance
No precipitate, particles or gel formation by Each day

visual inspection
Purity
>98% albumin,
Reactivity
No agglutination of unsensitized red cells; Each new lot

no haemolytic activity; no prozone
phenomenon
Potency
IgG anti-D should give a titre of 32-64 with Each month

O pooled red cells/ R1R1 cells
Each new lot
Quality control of normal saline

Parameter
Quality requirement
Appearance
No turbidity or particles by visual Each day

inspection
pH
6.0-8.0
Haemolysis
Mixture of 0.1 ml saline and 0.1 ml of Each new batch

5% red cells suspension centrifuged
after 10 min, no haemolysis
Each new batch
74

11.
12.
13.
Quality control of distilled water

Parameter
Quality requirement
Appearance
Clear, no particles on visual

inspections
Each day
PH
6.0-7.0
Each new batch
Quality control of whole blood

Parameter
Quantity Requirement
Volume
350/ 450 ml + 10%
1% of all units
PCV (HCT)
>30%
1% of all units or at
least 4 units per
month. (whichever is
more)
HBsAg
Negative
All units
Anti-HCV
Negative
All units
Anti-HIV 1/ 2
Negative
All units
Syphilis
Negative
All units
Malaria
Negative
All units
Sterility
By culture
Periodically (1% of all

units)
Quality control of red cell concentrate (Prepared from 450 ml blood)

Note: Same as for whole blood except
Parameter
* Volume
225-350 ml
1% of all units
HCT
65-75%

units)
75

14a. Quality control of red cell in preservative solution prepared from 450 ml whole
blood (ADSOL/ SAGM)
Parameter
Volume
300-400 ml
1% of all units
HCT
55-65%

units)
14b. Quality control of red cell in preservative solution prepared from 350 ml whole
blood (ADSOL/ SAGM)
15.
Parameter
Volume
245ml-325 ml
1% of all units
HCT
55-65%

units)
Quality control of Leucocytes-poor red cells

Method
Preparation
16.
of Parameter
Quality
requirement
Frequency
control
of
Filtration
Residual White cells Units shall have 4 units a month

post filtration
less than 5X 106
Apheresis
Residual White cells in Unit shall have less

bag post procedure.
than 5 X 106
leukocytes.
Quality control of platelet concentrate prepared from 350/ 450 ml of whole blood
Parameter Quality
Requirements
Volume
50-70 ml
All units
Platelets count
3.5/ 4.5 x 1010
4 units per month/ 1%

of all units (whichever
is more)
pH
>6.0

76

is more)
RBC contamination
17.
18.
<0.5 ml

is more)
Quality Control of platelet concentrate prepared from Buffy coat

Parameter
Quality Requirements
Volume
50-90 ml
4 units per month/ 1% of

all units (whichever is
more)
Platelets count
>6X1010

more)
pH
>6.0

more)
RBC contamination
Traces to 0.5 ml

more)
Quality of platelet concentrate by Apheresis

Parameter
Quality requirement
Volume
>200 ml
Platelets count
> 3.0 x 1011
pH
>6.0 (at the end of permissible storage

period)
Red cells
Traces to 5 ml
18a Quality of platelet concentrate by Apheresis

Parameter
Quality requirement
Volume
>200 ml
Platelets count
> 3.0 x 1011
pH
>6.0 (at the end of permissible storage

period)
Red cells
Traces to 5 ml
77

18b. Quality criteria for labelling Platelet concentrates(RDP) or apheresis platelets (SDP)
as leukoreduced/leukodepleted.
Note: Basic Criteria: Same as in 16, 17, 18a. Additional criteria are as follows:
19.
20.
21.
22.
Parameter
Quality requirement
Residual leukocyte count RDP
< 8.3 X105
Residual leukocyte count-SDP
< 5 X105
Quality control of Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP)

Parameter
Quality control
Volume
200220 ml

more)
Stable coagulation factors
Check by PT & APTT
4 units per month
Factor VIII
0.7 units/ ml
4 units per month
Fibrinogen
200400 mg
4 units per month
Quality control of cryoprecipitate (Factor-VIII)

Parameter
Quality control
Volume
1020 ml
1% of all units
Factor VIII
80120 units
1% of all units
Fibrinogen
150250 mg
1% of all units
Quality control of plasma (Frozen)

Parameter
Quantity requirement
Volume
200220 ml
Stable coagulation factors
Check by PT & APTT
Quality control of granulocytes

Granulocytes prepared from hemapheresis
Parameter
Granulocytes
1X1010
Other leucocytes
0.1X 0.7X109
Platelets
2-10X1011
78

Red cells
550 ml
Plasma
200400 ml
HES if used
612 % of volume
Granulocytes prepared from single unit of blood

Parameter
Volume
200250 ml
Granulocytes
0.51x109
79
Annexure - E
Records
The records, which the licensee is required to maintain, shall include inter alia the following
particulars, namely:
1.
Blood donor record: It shall indicate serial number, date of bleeding, name, address and
signature of the donor with other particulars of age, weight, haemoglobin, blood grouping,
blood pressure, medical examination, bag number and patient/ recipients detail for whom
donated in case of replacement donation, category of donation (voluntary/ replacement)
and deferral records and signature of Medical Officer In charge.
2.
Master records for blood and its components. It shall indicate bag serial number, date of
collection, date of expiry, quantity in ml. ABO/ Rh group, results of testing of HIV1 and
HIV2 antibodies, malaria, V.D.R.L, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus
antibody, and irregular antibodies (if any), name and address of the donor with particulars,
utilisation issue number, components prepared or discarded and signature of the medical
officer/ in-charge.
3.
Issue Register: It shall indicate serial number, date and time of issue, bag serial number;
ABO/ Rh group, total quantity in ml. name and address of the recipient, group of recipient,
name of hospital and unit/ ward, details of cross-matching report, indication for transfusion,
issued by.
4.
Component preparation records
5.
Record of components supplied: Quantity supplied; compatibility report, details of recipient

and signature of issuing person.
6.
Records of A.C.D/ C.P.D-A/ SAGM bags giving details of manufacturer batch number date
of supply, and results of testing.
7.
Register for diagnostic kits and reagents used: Name of the kits/ reagents, details of batch
number, date of expiry and date of use.
8.
Patient/ recipient.
9.
Transfusion adverse reaction records.
10.
Records of purchase, use and stock in hand of disposable needles, syringes, blood bags.
11.
Record of report sent to State AIDS Control Society.
11.
Record showing the daily temperature recordings.
12.
Record of quality assurance (internal and external).
13.
Record of any adverse incident report with form and resolution
14.
Record of equipment maintenance.
80
15.
Record of document control.
16.
Daily group-wise blood stock register (inventory) showing its receipt, issue and balance.
17.
Disposition record: Units discarded, reasons for discarding and procedure of discarding
18.
Personnel health records
19.
Stock register of non-consumable articles.
20.
Stock register of consumable articles.
21.
Documentation of staff qualifications and training.
22.
Documentation of staff competency and proficiency tests.
23.
Staff attendance register or any other recording system.
24.
Grievance redressal register
25.
Transfusion Committee meeting minutes with Action Taken Report
26.
Haemovigilance reporting records
Note: The above said records shall be kept for a period of 5 years
81
Annexure - F
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMPs)/ Standard

Procedures (SOPs)
Operating
Written standard operating procedures shall be maintained and shall include all steps to be
followed in the collection, processing, compatibility testing, storage and distribution of blood and/
or preparation of blood component for homologous transfusion, autologous transfusion and
further manufacturing purpose. Such procedures shall be available to the personnel for use in
the concerned areas. The standard operating procedures shall inter alia include:
1.
a)
Criteria used to determine donor suitability.
b)
Methods of performing donor qualifying tests and measurements including minimum and
maximum values for a test or procedures, when a factor in determining acceptability.
c)
Solutions and methods used to prepare the site of phlebotomy so as to give maximum
assurance of a sterile container of blood.
d)
Method of accurately relating the product (s) to the donor.
e)
Blood collection procedure, including in-process precautions taken to measure accurately

the quantity of blood drawn from the donor.
f)
Method of component preparation including, any time restrictions for specific step in
processing.
g)
All tests and repeat tests performed on blood and blood components during processing.
h)
Pre-transfusion testing, wherever applicable, including precautions to be taken to identify

accurately the recipient blood.
i)
Procedures of managing adverse reactions in donors and recipients.
j)
Storage temperature and methods of controlling storage temperature for blood and its
components and reagents.
k)
Length of expiry dates, of any, assigned for all final products.
l)
Criteria for determining whether returned blood is suitable for re-issue.
m)
Procedures used for relating a unit of blood or blood component from the donor to its final
disposal.
n)
Quality control procedures for supplies and reagents employed in blood collection,
processing and pre-transfusion testing.
82

o)
Schedules and procedures for equipment maintenance and calibration.
p)
Labelling procedures to safe guard against mix-ups in receipt, issue, rejected and ready to
issue stock.
q)
Procedures of plasmapheresis, plateletpheresis and leucapheresis if performed, including

precautions to be taken to ensure re-infusion of donors own cells.
r)
Procedures for preparing recovered (salvaged) plasma if performed, including details of

separation, pooling, labelling, storage and distribution.
s)
All records pertinent to the lot or unit maintained pursuant to these regulations shall be
reviewed before the release for distribution of a lot or unit of final product. The review or
portions of the review may be performed at appropriate periods during or after blood
collection, processing, testing and storage. A thorough investigation, including the
conclusions and follow-up, of any unexplained discrepancy or the failure of a lot or unit to
meet any of its specification shall be made and recorded.
2.
A licensee may utilise current standard operating procedures, such as the manuals of the
following organisations, so long as such specific procedures are consistent with, and at
least as stringent as, the requirements contained in this Part, namely:
a)
Directorate General of Health Services Manual;
b)
Other organisations or individual blood bank/ blood centres manuals, subject to the
approval of State Licensing Authority and Central Licence Approving Authority.
83
Annexure - G
List of Equipments available in the Blood Bank/ Blood Centre

1.
2.
Donor couches
Donor weighing balance
3.
Hemoglobinometer/ Calorimeter or any other advanced point of care Hb.
4.
Clinical thermometer or donor temperature checking device
5.
Sphygmomanometer
6.
Stethoscope
7.
Blood mixer and shaker
8.
Tube stripper
9.
Di-electric tube sealer
10.
Needle destroyer
11.
Oxygen cylinder
12.
13.
Refrigerated Centrifuges
Double pan balance with standard weights
14.
Plasma Expressor
15.
Blood Bank Refrigerator
16.
17.
-350C Deep Freezers

-800C Deep Freezers
18.
Platelet Agitator and Incubator
19.
Fixed or variable pipettes
20.
21.
pH Meter
Cell Counter (optional)
22.
Coagulometer (optional)
23.
Sterile Connecting Machine with devices (optional)
24.
Laminar Air-flow bench
25.
Walk-in Cooler (Cold Room) (optional)
26.
Leuco-reduction device (when required)
27.
Blood Irradiator (optional)
28.
29.
Cell Separators (Apheresis machine)

Automated Cell Grouping system (optional)
30.
Equipment for column Agglutination technology (optional)
31.
Table top centrifuge
32.
Serological water bath
33.
Binocular microscope
34.
Dry incubator
84

35.
Room temperature and humidity checking thermometers.
36.
Automatic Cell washer (optional)
37.
Digital analytical balance
38.
Elisa washer
39.
40.
Microplate centrifuge (optional)

Elisa reader (Plate reader/ strip reader)
41.
Fully Automated Elisa system (optional)
42.
VDRL shaker
43.
Autoclave
44.
Distilled water
45.
Air-conditioner (1/ 1.5/ 2 tonnes)
46.
Generator (5 KVA/ 30 KVA)
47.
48.
Transportation vans (optional)

Blood mobile vans (optional)
49.
Dry rubber balance material
50.
Weighing device for blood bags
51.
52.
Emergency medical kit

Insulated blood bags containers with provisions for storage between 20C to 100C
53.
Plasma thawing water bath (if components are dispensed)
54.
55.
Cryo bath
Outdoor camp collection couches/ chairs (optional)
56.
Emergency resuscitation kit with required drugs.
85
Annexure - H
Calibration Frequency for Equipments

S.
No.
Equipment
Performance
Frequency for
performance
checking
Minimum
frequency of
calibration
(outsource or in
house)
Temperature
recorder (Display)
Compare
against
calibrated thermometer
Daily
Once in 6 months/
year
Refrigerator/
Deep freezer for
storage of blood/
components
Compare
thermometer
Daily
Once in 6 months
Refrigerated blood
bag centrifuge
Observe
speed
temperature and time
Each day of
use
Once in 6 months
Hematrocrit
centrifuge
Observe
speed
Once a year
General
centrifuge
lab
Observe
speed
Once in 6 months
Automated
typing
blood
Observe
control
of
correct
result
(QC
samples)
Each day of
use
Once a year
Haemoglobinometer
Standardize
against
cyanmethemoglobin
standard
Each day of
use
Once a year
Refractiometer
Standardized
distilled water
against
Each day of
use
Once a year
Blood
container
weighing device
Container of known
calibrated weight
Each day of
use
Once a year
10
Water bath
Observe temperature
Each day of
use
Once a year
11
Autoclave
Observe
temperature
and pressure
Each day of
use
Once a year
12
Serologic rotators
Observe
control
correct result
Each time of
use
Once a year
13
Laboratory
thermometer
14
Electronic/digital
thermometer
15
Blood agitator
against
for
Before initial use

and
every
6
months
Before initial use
and
every
6
months
Observe weight of the
Once in 15
Once a year
86

S.
No.
Equipment
Performance
first
blood
container for
results
16
Platelet shaker cum

incubator
Temperature
Oscillation rate
17
blood
Known controls
filled
correct
Frequency for
performance
checking
Minimum
frequency of
calibration
(outsource or in
house)
days
Each day of
use
Once
a
month
Daily
Every 6 months
Once in
month
Once in
month
-
Once in 6 months
Once a year
18
Automated
cell counter
Pipettes
19
Incubator
20
Stop watch
21
Tachometer
Once a year
22
Weight box
Once a year
Volume
Temperature
Once a year
Once a year
87
References
1.
AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 24th Edition
2.
AABB Technical Manual 15th Edition, 2005
3.
Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940, 25th Edition 2016
4.
ISO 15189: 2003 Medical Laboratories - Particular requirements for quality and
competence
5.
NACO standards: Standards for Blood banks and Blood transfusion services
6.
Transfusion Medicine Technical Manual: Edited by Dr. R. K. Saran, Second Edition

2003, Directorate General of Health Services.
88

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What is the purpose of the accreditation standards?

What is the purpose of the accreditation standards?

What are some of the facilities and equipment required in a blood bank?

What are some of the facilities and equipment required in a blood bank?

NOTICE

Comments are invited on Draft Accreditation standards on Blood

Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

Third Edition, June 2016

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD FOR

Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

Organisation and Management

Ethics in blood bank/ blood centre

Policies, processes and procedures

Accommodation and environment

Location and surroundings

Accommodation of blood bank/ blood centre

Processing of blood component from whole blood by a

Plasmapheresis, Plateletpheresis and Leucapheresis

Blood donation camp

Biological, Chemical and Radiation Safety

Internal Communication System

Medical Director/ In-Charge/ Medical Officer

Blood bank/ blood centre technician(s)

Job description/ responsibilities

Responsibilities of Medical Director/ In-charge/ Medical Officer,

Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

Selection and validation of equipment

Equipment detail record, unique identification

Programme for calibration and maintenance of equipment

Equipment for storage of blood and component

External Services and supplies

Policies and procedures for suppliers selection

Policies and validation of processes and procedures

Traceability of blood unit and sample from blood collection

New procedures/ changes and validation

Donor registration, consent and selection

Criteria for selection of donors

Standards for Blood Banks/ Blood Centres and Transfusion Services

Method of preparation of phlebotomy site

Equipment and blood bag

Duration of blood collection

Post donation care

Adverse donor reaction management

Blood donation camp/ drives

Procedure for autologous blood collection

Donor notification of abnormal findings, test

Information of test results

Therapeutic plasmapheresis and cytapheresis

Handling of samples and blood units

Samples for laboratory tests

Identification and traceability

Blood unit identification

Red blood cells components

Platelet concentrate (random donor platelets)

Single donor cryoprecipitate (cryoprecipitated antihemophilic factor)