Blood donor candidates and blood donations performed between 2005 and 2019 in Minas Gerais, Brazil: A time series analysis

ABSTRACT Introduction: Time series studies related to blood donor candidates and blood donations are rare in Brazil. Population aging suggests a better understanding of the context related to blood donor candidates and blood donations performed. Objective: The monthly series of candidates eligible to donate blood and actual donations between 2005 and 2019 at the Hemominas Foundation, Minas Gerais, Brazil, were described and analyzed. Methods: Ten time series were constructed of blood donor candidates and blood donations. Each series covered the period from January 2005 to December 2019. The stationarity of the series was verified by the unit root test; the data distribution, by the Shapiro-Wilk test; the trend, by the Cox-Stuart test, and; the seasonality, by the Fisher's test (significance levels of 10% for the first test and 5% for the last three). Results: All series were identified as non-stationary and presented trend and seasonality components. The rate of blood donor candidates and the rate of blood donations performed evidenced a positive upward trend until the last two-year analysis, when a drop occurred, from 1.75% and 1.42% in 2017 to 1.64% and 1.35% in 2019, respectively. The rate of blood donations trended downward, from 0.054% in 2005 to 0.046% in 2019. The proportion of unsuitable or unretained candidates reduced. Conclusion: The study emphasized the need to stimulate blood donation by specific groups and increase ways to reduce the demand for blood components through the implementation of programs that expand alternatives to blood transfusions.

Blood components use at two private hospitals in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais between July 2017 and June 2019

ABSTRACT Introduction: A retrospective ecological longitudinal study was carried out with data on blood components use from two private hospital units that belong to the same organization located in Belo Horizonte between July 2017 and June 2019. Objectives: To describe the monthly series of red blood cells, platelets and plasma use and the rate of blood components use for general hospitalizations in the health network, from the perspective of time series. Methods: A total of 15 time series were created with monthly data related to the use of blood components. The stationarity of the series was verified by the unit root test, the trend, by the Cox-Stuart test and seasonality, by the Fisher test (significance levels of 10% for the first test and 5% for the last two). Results: All series tested positive for the trend component and showed an increasing trend for the use of blood components. Ten series showed statistically significant seasonality and eight series were identified as non-stationary. The percentage of transfusions of blood components due to hospitalization at hospitals 1 and 2 was 29% (22% at hospital 1 and 38.9% at hospital 2). Conclusion: This study was able to describe the components of blood components use dynamics, from the perspective of time series at hospitals. Due to the growing trend in demand for blood components and their high cost, we propose the reduction of blood components use and the expanded use of alternative blood transfusion strategies.

What are the perspectives for blood donations and blood component transfusion worldwide? A systematic review of time series studies

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Analysis of the literature suggests that changes relating to blood donations and blood component transfusion are occurring due to the aging of the population. OBJECTIVE: To gain better understanding of the demand and supply of these inputs over time, and to identify the main associated demographic characteristics. DESIGN AND SETTING: Systematic review conducted on time series relating to blood donations and blood component transfusions worldwide. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was conducted based on articles that presented time series relating to blood donation or blood component transfusion. RESULTS: We found 1,814 articles. After the deletion process, only thirteen were read. Overall, these suggested that there is increasing demand for blood components and decreasing donation. The existence of seasonality regarding blood donation was pointed out. Men usually donated more blood and demanded more blood components than women. Approximately 50% of blood transfusions were performed in people aged ≥ 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis on articles that presented time series relating to blood donations and blood component transfusion showed that aging of the population was the main factor associated with the increasing demand for blood and the decreasing supply of blood.