The journey toward safer and optimized blood service in China: national strategy and progress

BACKGROUND The objective was to analyze and evaluate the effects of strategic measures the Chinese government attempted and undertook throughout the fast‐changing and difficult transition periods of the blood service system. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We systematically reviewed data and information regarding policy, blood collection, service system, and clinical transfusion practice, which were the most representative indicators on a national level from 1978 to 2015. RESULTS Blood donation in China has successfully transitioned from paid donation, then compulsory (but nonremunerated) donation, to voluntary nonremunerated donation. The volume of blood collection has steadily increased from 4,000,000 red blood cell (RBC; 200 mL/unit) units in 1998 to 22,000,000 RBC units in 2014. The percentage of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transfusion‐transmitted infections in newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS has reduced from 29.6% in 2005 to less than 0.15% in 2013. The use of component therapy has increased from 18% in 1989 to 99% in 2014. CONCLUSIONS Involvement of the government through enforcement of new statutes and regulations helped improve blood safety and clinical transfusion practice.