International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
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Quality provision in blood services policy

Introduction
In many spheres of health care around the world, the concept of the provision of quality services has been actively pursued. It is clear that quality programmes need to be extended to blood services in order to ensure the quality and safety of blood and blood products supplied to all communities and to enhance the confidence of the public in blood services. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies either provides, or assists in the provision of, at least one third of the world's blood supply, and thus has the responsibility to ensure that blood and blood products provided by Red Cross and Red Crescent are as safe as can be in the particular circumstances of the country concerned.
Scope
This policy addresses specific responsibilities within blood programmes, and provides principles and guidelines for the implementation of quality procedures in blood programmes associated with Red Cross and Red Crescent.
Statement

The International Federation and each individual National Society undertaking or assisting in the provision of blood services, either alone, or in partnership with other agencies, shall ensure that:

  • The service is based upon voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation.
  • The health and well-being of the donor and recipient are the primary concerns - highest possible standards of safety and quality being guaranteed through the entire blood transfusion chain.
  • The confidentiality of all information relating to the blood donor and blood donation in all circumstances is respected.
  • The Code of Ethics for blood donation and transfusion of the International Society of Blood Transfusion as adopted by the International Conference of Red Cross and Red Crescent, 1981, and supported by the World Health Organization for many years is upheld.
  • The quality principles and procedures as identified in the Federation's Quality Manual are followed and, where deemed appropriate, subject to regular independent audit.
  • The introduction of quality principles and procedures is undertaken in the light of the recommendations in the Federation's blood programme Development manual regarding the establishment of a blood service.
  • The optimal use of all blood and blood products is actively supported.
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Responsabilities
National Societies have the responsibility to identify their role in the overall strategy of blood service provision in their country.

National Societies must ensure that all blood programmes with which they are associated are in compliance with this policy; that all staff and volunteers participating in blood programmes are aware of the rationale and details of the policy and act accordingly; and that all relevant governmental and non-governmental partners are adequately informed of this policy.
Reference: This policy was adopted by the 12th Session of the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, October 1999.

This policy replaces all previously established policies on Quality Provision in Blood Services.

Further reference texts are:
  • Decision 36, Blood Quality Programme; 11th Session of the General Assembly, Seville, Spain, 20 - 25 November 1997.
  • Blood programme Quality manual, International Federation, 1998.
  • Blood programme Development manual, International Federation, 1998.
  • League of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, VIIIth Session of the General Assembly, Budapest 1991; Decision 34, Voluntary, Non-remunerated Blood Donation.
  • Statement on the Ethics of Voluntary, Non-remunerated Blood Donation: Third International Colloquium on Recruitment of Voluntary Blood Donors, Hanover, August 1990; amended at the 19th meeting of the International Group of Red Cross Blood Transfusion Experts, Los Angeles, November 1990.
  • Code of Ethics for Blood Donation and Transfusion: International Society of Blood Transfusion, General Assembly, Montreal, 1980 and XXIVth International Conference of the Red Cross, Manila, 1981.
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