Demography and blood donation trends in Saudi Arabia: A nationwide retrospective, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Blood product supply and utilization are understudied in Saudi Arabia. This study evaluates the trends in Saudi blood banks readiness, donors’ demography, and blood product utilization and wastage. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study of records obtained from the Ministry of Health (MOH) was initiated to report trends and statistics on annual whole blood donors and blood product utility from 2010 to 2020. Data collected in 2020 was further characterized for donors’ demographics, laboratory readiness, and staffing. RESULTS: The average number of annual blood donors over the last decade (2010–2020) was 325,847.3 ± 43,160. The forecasted blood donation and dispatch trends suggest a significant increase in blood demand (R(2) = 0.7582) over annual donation rates (R(2) = 0.2356). In 2020, 342,460 nationwide blood donations were registered in governmental donation centers and females constituted a mere 2.5 %. Approximately 60 % of whole blood donation was voluntary, 36% was compensatory, and 4% was part of driving license renewal. The highest blood donation rate per 1,000 inhabitants was observed in Taif (69.8) and Alqonfoda (45.0). Eastern directory and Madinah had the most successful donation campaigns attracting 53% and 50% of total annual donations, respectively. Notably, Tabouk, Hai’l, and Albaha had the highest blood product wastage medians. CONCLUSION: Blood donation rates and impetus, staffing ratios, and laboratory readiness and wastage varied among the various directories. Laboratory managers and medical directors need to increase efforts to refine current guidelines in order to comply with the transformation plan of the health sector.