Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization

Blood donation by members of the "Iranian Red Crescent Society" in coronavirus crisis at "Tehran Blood Transfusion Center", March 2020

Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO) is a pivotal healthcare institution in Iran responsible for the collection, testing, processing, and distribution of blood and blood products across the country. Established to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply, the IBTO plays a critical role in Iran's healthcare system, supporting hospitals and medical centers in both routine and emergency situations.

History

The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization was founded in the early 1970s as part of Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Its creation was motivated by the need to establish a centralized system to manage blood donation and transfusion services, replacing the fragmented system that existed before. Over the years, the IBTO has evolved significantly, adopting modern technologies and practices to enhance blood safety and availability.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of the IBTO is to provide safe, high-quality blood and blood components to meet the needs of patients throughout Iran. This involves a range of activities, including:

• Blood Donation: Encouraging voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation through public awareness campaigns and setting up donation centers.
• Screening and Testing: Implementing stringent screening procedures for donors and conducting comprehensive tests on all blood donations to detect any infectious agents.
• Processing and Storage: Processing donated blood to separate it into its components (red cells, platelets, plasma, etc.) and storing these components under optimal conditions until they are needed.
• Distribution: Coordinating with hospitals and medical centers to ensure timely delivery of blood and blood products.

Challenges and Achievements

The IBTO faces several challenges, including maintaining a sufficient blood supply, ensuring the safety of the blood donation process, and meeting the increasing demand for blood products. Despite these challenges, the organization has made significant achievements, such as increasing the rate of voluntary blood donations and improving the safety and quality of blood products.

Future Directions

The Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization continues to focus on enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of its operations. Future directions include adopting more advanced technologies for blood testing and processing, expanding the donor base through targeted outreach programs, and strengthening international collaborations to share knowledge and best practices.

See Also

• Blood donation
• Blood bank
• Healthcare in Iran