The continuing evolution of the nation's blood supply system.

Abstract

The nation's blood supply system has undergone major change during the last decade. As a result, the blood supply is extremely safe. To accomplish this, the centers that supply most of nation's blood have made extensive changes in their regulatory affairs and quality assurance programs, personnel, or organizational structure, process control systems, computer and data management systems, and overall philosophy. The emphasis on a medical and patient focused organizational culture has been replaced by a more manufacturing and business culture. Research in transfusion medicine and related fields is bringing potential new transfusion therapies and blood components closer to reality. The blood system and the organizations and people who compose it must continue to evolve in ways to implement these new therapies.