The RAND Corporation conducted a study examining the United States’ blood supply system. Data was collected from interviews with 9 blood centers, 8 hospitals, and 11 corporations that supply equipment for blood collection centers. Interviews were also conducted with 6 governmental agencies including the Department of Health and Human Services. The RAND report noted a decreased demand for blood, shrinking donor pools, reduced profits, vulnerabilities of the blood supply to emerging infectious diseases and public health emergencies, and a lack of a central hemovigilance reporting system. Based on their findings, they recommend the need for a more comprehensive system to collect data on blood use and hemovigilance reporting. A national plan for emergency preparedness, including funding, should be developed. The report also stressed the importance of investing in new technology. Although the US blood supply system has challenges, the study found it to be effective and efficient. The RAND study investigators are optimistic that the US blood supply will continue to be sustainable.
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