Analysis of the transfusion situation in Albania

The National Blood Transfusion Center in Albania was established in 1951. The establishment of the NBTC was followed by the creation of 26 blood banks near each hospital to provide patient services at every hospital. The National Blood Transfusion Center (NBTC) has developed a legal and regulatory framework beginning with the first law on blood transfusion approved in 1995. Blood donation in Albania began as a remunerated practice. The first attempts at voluntary and nonremunerated blood donation (VNRBD) began in 1994 with cooperation between NBTC and the Albanian Red Cross, but without a clear definition of a promotional strategy. In 2004, the NBTC realized the need for voluntary nonremunerated blood donors, and with the technical assistance of the WHO, NBTC drafted the National Strategy for a Safe Blood Transfusion. The strategy laid the foundation for standardization of two of the main blood safety factors; qualitative donors and qualitative testing. The implementation of this strategy and the law marked continued success in the work of NBTC by recording increase in VNRBD and reduction in remunerated blood donations. Centralized testing of infectious agents was started in NBTC Tirana, with the implementation of fully automated testing. A new strategy will be launched this year aiming for 100% voluntary nonremunerated blood donors.