Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in collaboration with National and Provincial Blood Transfusion Programmes through technical support form GIZ organized a Seminar titled ‘Laboratory Processes in Blood Banking: Component Production’ recently at Arag Auditorium of Dow Medical College Karachi.
Prof. Dr. Junaid Ashraf, Principal Dow Medical College was the Chief Guest on the occasion, whereas the seminar was facilitated by Dr. Ralf Knels, Technical expert GIZ-GFA and Medical Director, German Red Cross Cottbus Institute. Speakers include Paul Kohorst, Team Leader GIZ-GFA, Dr. Zahid Hasan Ansari, Programme Manager Sindh and Usman Waheed, GIZ Technical Expert. The participants of the Seminar include Blood Bank Incharges from interior Sindh, and Technicians/Technologists from private and NGO sector blood banks of Karachi. Other notable participants included Dr. Sarfraz Jafri, Prof. Dr. Akbar Agha and Prof. Dr. Rafiq Khanani. The core topics of the Seminar include Rational Use of Blood, Component Preparation and Storage, Quality Control and Quality Assurance in Component Production.
The objective of the seminar was to increase awareness regarding the necessity of component therapy under the concept of rational use of blood, impart training on the methods of component production, orientation about quality assurance in component production and inform about role of future Regional Blood Centers. During the Seminar, Speakers emphasized on the use of blood components rather than whole blood. Transfusion of whole blood is associated with several risks for the patients. When whole blood transfusion is replaced by blood component therapy, many of these possible adverse reactions may be avoided. Dr. Knels said that increased availability and use of blood components in the future will not only reduce the number of donations required in Pakistan to meet the demand for blood but will also contribute towards patient safety through increased efficacy and avoidance of some harmful effects of whole blood. ‘ISBT 128’ and ‘Eurocode’ which are blood labeling systems were also discussed in detail. Dr. Ralf Knels who is also the Chairman Eurocode offered free use of Eurocode for Pakistan.
Prof. Dr. Junaid Ashraf, Principal Dow Medical College in his address acknowledged the efforts of National and Provincial Blood Transfusion Programmes team and encouraged to conduct similar seminars in the future as well. He also assured Dow University full support.