Researchers in Europe and Canada reviewed more than 9,000 publications about COVID-19 and identified 414 papers relevant to blood collections, processing, and transfusions in order to provide practical guidance for the medical community on blood use and supply during the ongoing pandemic. They provide several recommendations. First, anemia in patients with COVID-19 is uncommon, and approximately 39% of patients with COVID-19 in Italy required transfusions for non-bleeding anemia. Since randomized controlled trials on patients with COVID-19 are ongoing, general recommendations for restrictive thresholds for transfusions should be followed. Second, donor recruitment and eligibility, blood drive planning, protection of staff and donors, contingency plans for ill staff, and lookbacks on blood products need to be considered in order to maintain a safe blood supply. Third, modifications to processing and storing blood should be considered to minimize wastage and increase storage times. Fourth, hospitals should develop mitigation strategies for blood use in the event of anticipated shortages. Lastly, COVID-19 convalescent plasma programs should be implemented. Proper planning along each step of the blood supply chain will help to ensure a steady supply of blood during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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