Performance of a large Brazilian network of blood banks during the COVID-19 pandemic: Impact assessment and time series analysis (2016-2023).

Abstract

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, blood banks faced the risk of shortages of blood components and adopted measures to mitigate this threat. The present study aims to describe the influence of the pandemic on a large hemotherapy centre, including data from 21 regional blood centres (Hemominas-Minas Gerais/Brazil).

Methods: Time series for the blood donor attendance were constructed covering 8 years (2016-2023). Blood centre performance indicators from the pandemic period (2020-2023) were compared with the pre-pandemic period (2016-2019).

Results: During the pandemic, a 11.6% decline in the production of blood components was observed (Semiannual average of 355 511 vs. 402 528 units). The first half of 2022 was the period with the highest number of COVID-19 cases (third wave) and the lowest production. The drop in the number of candidates for blood donation was more pronounced in the most populated cities. An increase in returning donors was observed, as well as a decrease in the deferral rate. The time series analysis indicated a strong downward trend in blood donors during the pandemic period but with a tendency to recover from the second half of 2023.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the hemotherapy system in Minas Gerais, resulting in a drop in the production of blood components. The operation of Hemominas as a network of blood centers contributed to mitigating the effects of the pandemic, alleviating the scarcity of blood components, especially in the most populated cities, where blood donation was very affected and where the largest and most complex hospitals are located.