Advantages of outsourcing the transfusion service

Pressures to reduce costs are forcing hospitals to examine alternative delivery systems for transfusion services. An outsourcing arrangement for the transfusion service can be an attractive option, providing benefits not only in terms of economics, but also in terms of quality and medical support. Successful centralized testing models in Pittsburgh and Seattle have demonstrated the feasibility of this approach. When properly implemented, an outsourcing arrangement for transfusion services can improve patient care and reduce costs. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.