The experience of the Turkish Red Crescent blood banks in the 2023 Türkiye earthquake.

Abstract

Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the impact of a severe earthquake on blood donation as per blood safety and donation behaviour.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included a total of 263 779 whole-blood donors at the Turkish Red Crescent during two periods: before (25 January 2023 - 5 February 2023) and after (6 February 2023 - 17 February 2023) the earthquake that occurred on 6 February 2023. Demographic data describing the donors, donor types, the number of blood donations by province, blood donations by blood groups, hospital demand, and transfusion transmissible infection (TTI) rates according to donor type were evaluated.

Results: There was a 129% increase in blood donations after the earthquake. his increase was significant among female donors, younger age groups, and first-time donors. However, a significant increase in TTI rates was not detected in either first time donors or repeat donors.

Conclusion: Our study focuses on blood banking activities of the Turkish Red Crescent during the 2023 Türkiye earthquake. While previous disasters have shown excess blood collection, we emphasise the need for a balanced approach to avoid wastage and shortages. Our study emphasises the importance of efficient blood utilisation and the necessity of regular, voluntary blood donations to ensure a stable supply, especially for high-demand blood groups like O Rh (-).