The influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on blood donation and supply in China

Abstract Introduction During the COVID‐19 pandemic, there was a sharp decline in blood donation which posed a serious threat to the clinical blood supply worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the COVID‐19 pandemic on blood donation and supply in China on a nationwide level. Methods A comprehensive review of the published literature was performed using eight databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Embase, CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP by searching relevant words combinations. Results Twenty‐seven studies were determined to be eligible and included. Among them, 21 studies reported the situation of blood donation during the COVID‐19 pandemic in China. The donation of both whole blood and platelet concentrates declined (with a decline of 5%–86% for whole blood and 3%–34% for platelet concentrates), with this especially evident in February 2020. The COVID‐19 pandemic changed the pattern of blood donation and the composition of blood donors accordingly. Fifteen articles reported the supply of various blood components during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The supply and usage of both packed red blood cell (PRBC) and fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) decreased (with a decrease of 4%–40% for PRBC and 9%–58% for FFP). The proportion of blood transfusions in different departments changed too. Compared to 2019, there was a decrease in surgical blood transfusions, and an increase in that used in treatments performed in emergency and internal medicine departments. Conclusion The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to an overall reduction of blood transfusion activities in most cities in China, in particular blood donations and blood demands.