An Overview of the Initiatives and Activities of the Korean Blood Safety Project Group over a Ten Year Period: 2012∼2021 / 대한수혈학회지

ABSTRACT

Background@#The study aimed to review the initiatives and activities of the Korean Blood Safety Project Group (KBSPG) from 2012 to 2021 to present its work domestically and internationally, and to set up future directions for the KBSPG. @*Methods@#Details of the KBSPG’s projects were organized by task. This project was supported by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. The final annual reports and data posted on the website of the KBSPG were used for analysis. @*Results@#The KBSPG completed 14 tasks, including training and sharing of the latest information with workers of blood centers and transfusion services in medical institutes, external proficiency surveys for donor blood screening tests, and maintenance of a national registration system. The results of these tasks have contributed to the fulfillment of work of the relevant national departments, the establishment and operation of related websites, the publication of annual reports, the implementation of workshops and training programs, the operation of regional networks for blood transfusion management, and the production and distribution of information leaflets and training videos.Additionally, the KBSPG has developed and revised guidelines and standards and published related papers. @*Conclusion@#The KBSPG’s continuous efforts improved the quality of blood centers and transfusion services in medical institutes, thus contributing to the national blood management services. To further improve blood management work and ensure blood safety, the KBSPG must expand its scope and continue to pursue its important mission. (Korean J Blood Transfus 2023;341-11)