Staffing in hospital transfusion laboratories: UKTLC surveys show cause for concern

OBJECTIVES: To monitor minimum standards in hospital transfusion laboratories in relation to qualifications, training, competency and the use of information technology over time against published recommendations. BACKGROUND: The United Kingdom Transfusion Laboratory Collaborative was formed in 2006 with representatives from relevant organisations and has published standards for transfusion laboratory practice. The standards are set to ensure safe transfusion laboratory practice. Regular surveys are performed to see the extent to which laboratories are able to meet these standards and where any problems lie. METHODS: An electronic survey is sent to hospital transfusion laboratories on a single mid-week day in the spring and is repeated every 2 years from 2011, to be completed by the lead in transfusion for the day. The questions cover staffing, training, funding and workload. RESULTS: Transfusion laboratories are having difficulty with staffing, particularly recruitment of suitably trained biomedical scientists, and with funding and time for training and education. Laboratory errors reported to the Serious Hazards of Transfusion haemovigilance scheme (SHOT) have not decreased with time, related to the under-resourced workforce. CONCLUSION: Problems in laboratory staffing and expertise in hospital transfusion laboratories need to be urgently addressed. The transfusion laboratory provides a key service to hospitals. The Blood Services in England and Wales are developing supportive strategies.