Maintaining national blood supply in pandemic. Strategies of the Advisory Committee "Blood" and the Federal Ministry of Health

Depending upon the magnitude of an influenza pandemic shortage in blood supply (in particular erythrocyte concentrates) may arise. To prevent this situation the Advisory Committee "Blood" has adopted a guideline on maintaining the supply of blood products in case of an influenza pandemic (influenza A/H1N1). These guidelines are designed for blood establishments, health care facilities, medical societies and relevant public authorities. The timely execution of the following measures is considered to be imperative: development of a pandemic preparedness plan for blood establishments and health care facilities, preparation and implementation of programmes for the recruitment of blood donors throughout the pandemic. Furthermore organizational measures in the blood establishments to assure maintenance of their functional capacities and vaccination of all personnel as soon as a vaccine is available. Additionally, information for potential donors concerning these extended measures in order to reduce the fear of infection with influenza during donation is essential, as well as organizational measures for cooperation between blood establishments and organizational measures in the health care facilities to help reduce the use of blood components.