Safe blood transfusion practices in blood banks of Karachi, Pakistan

Background: Since 1997, legislations pertaining to safe blood transfusion (SBT) have evolved considerably in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the SBT practices in the blood banks of Pakistan. Methods: Twenty‐three blood banks were randomly selected from a list of registered 40 in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. To evaluate the SBT practices in the selected blood banks, a questionnaire and a checklist were administered during 2007–2008. Results: Of the 23 blood banks surveyed, 4 (17%) were affiliated with government or a semi‐government institution; 16 (70%) blood banks had a healthy donor recruitment program and 2 (9%) of the blood banks agreed that they recruited remunerated (paid) blood donors. Donors were screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis by all 23 blood banks, whereas malaria was screened by all blood banks but one. Conclusion: SBT practices in Karachi have improved since 1995; an active role by the government in policy‐making has proven effective.