A survey of the blood supply in China during 2012-2014

Objectives The aim of this study was to identify the status of the blood supply in China during 2012-2014. Background China is a middle-income country, which contains more than 20% of the world population. Increasing the blood supply in China, along with increased healthcare coverage, involves many challenges. Methods A survey questionnaire regarding blood centre activities was sent to all of the blood centres in 32 provinces via the Internet. The data were collected from the responses and analysed using Microsoft Excel 2013. Results The total supply of whole blood and red blood cells (RBCs) in 2012 was 18 644 700 units; in 2013, 18 985 800 units; and in 2014, 19 658 800 units. A similar trend of the total platelet supply was also observed during the same period of 2012-2014, as follows: 1 019 100 units in 2012, 1 168 400 units in 2013 and 1 276 200 units in 2014. Similarly, the plasma supply was 27 529 300 units in 2012 and 27 657 600 units in 2013, which rose to 28 307 500 units in 2014. The total cryoprecipitate supply was 1 653 900, 1 891 300 and 2 366 500 units in 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively. When the blood supply was analysed according to the geographic regional population, large differences in the rates of blood supply between regions were evident. Conclusions The blood product supply in China is steadily increasing. Blood centres in China continue to face challenges regarding their ability to provide a sufficient blood supply in the future.