Defence News

A walk-in blood bank is up and running at the Multi-national base, Tarin Kot in Afghanistan to allow Australian defence personnel give fresh blood during trauma situations.  Opened on April 10th, the blood bank has so far seen more than 150 personnel sign up to begin the screening process.

Senior Medical Officer Major Oscar Aldridge said the aim of the walk-in blood bank was to provide more blood than is currently held at the medical facility, and provide fresh blood during a trauma situation.

“While we do hold frozen stocks there is some evidence that, for people who require massive transfusions, fresh warm whole blood is best,” Major Aldridge said. 
“Stored blood is separated into three different components and when you mix them back together it is still not the same as the fresh product.

“The only way for us to achieve that is through a walk-in blood bank.”

Major Aldridge said due to the isolation of base at Tarin Kot the blood bank was critical for supporting troops on the ground.

“When we learn of a medical evacuation and someone is identified with major injuries we will activate the walk-in blood bank. That way when they arrive we will have donors already standing by to provide fresh blood for transfusion,” he said.

“There’s nothing better for massive trauma patients.”
Currently the Role 2 hospital holds stocks of frozen blood products and while they have a constant demand for blood, when someone needs it they generally need a lot.

“So far every patient that has arrived alive at the Role 2 has left here alive, part of that is due to our ability to give blood transfusions as required,” he said.

“This is something we want to maintain.”

Nursing Officer Army Lieutenant Jasmine Poole, said any defence member could sign up for the program but will need to be screened for suitability before their blood can be used.

“We start the screening by asking questions which are quite similar to those asked by the Red Cross. We are trying to identify a low risk population by selecting people who can make a declaration that they are not part of any of the high risk sub groups,” Lieutenant Poole said.

“From there we call back anyone eligible to have a blood test done, and test for HIV, hepatitis and other blood borne diseases.

“On the day when we actually take the blood off people there is a quick test panel that gives us an answer within five minutes to confirm those results are still valid. That way we can ensure the blood we use for transfusion in Tarin Kot is just as safe as the blood supply back home in Australia.“