Cyprus blood reserves improve but more donations are still needed, says hospital blood bank chief

Nicosia, Cyprus. Blood supplies across the country have risen considerably, but further donations are still required, according to Maria Adamou, head of hospital blood banks, who spoke on Thursday.

Improved capacity

Adamou said: “Our ability to respond to the needs of all cases has significantly improved.” She stressed that blood is a precious yet finite resource and that using it responsibly is vital to keeping stocks at adequate levels.

Related: Cyprus Cabinet Approves National Strategy to Modernise Blood Services

RelatedCyprus Cabinet Approves National Strategy to Modernise Blood Services

National blood strategy

She welcomed the national blood strategy approved recently, saying it would provide the foundation for modernising and upgrading the way blood donations and supplies are handled. According to Adamou, putting the strategy into practice is expected to help make sure supplies are sufficient and safe and that blood is used rationally. It is also expected to bring better planning, as well as improved management and distribution, of the stocks available.

Storage security

Adamou also sought to reassure the public about the security of blood storage in Cyprus, following reports of a cyberattack on blood banks in France. Asked whether a similar incident could affect blood banks in Cyprus, she said there was no reason for concern.

She explained that the fridges and freezers that keep blood and blood products in blood centres and hospital blood banks run on their own temperature control systems. The equipment is also fitted with separate external sensors linked to the internet, which allow temperatures to be monitored and logged around the clock.