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Órgano oficial de la Asociación Mexicana de Medicina Transfusional A.C.

2026, Number 1

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Rev Mex Med Transfus 2026; 18 (1)

Evolution of the gap between production and transfusion of red blood cell units in the Chilean public system between 2013 and 2024

Díaz PA, Vergara SD

Language: Spanish
References: 26
Page: 5-13
PDF size: 268.98 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Introduction: red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is an essential medical procedure, whose availability depends on blood donation and how it is managed by the health system. Objective: to analyze the evolution of the gap between production, demand, and transfusion of RBC units in the Chilean public health system between 2013 and 2024. Material and methods: a descriptive, observational, retrospective study was conducted using data from the monthly statistical summaries (REM) available from the Department of Health Statistics and Information (DEIS). Results: at the national level, RBC production exceeded the number of units transfused, with an average surplus of 20,078 units. The macrozone analysis revealed significant disparities: the Metropolitan and Austral macrozones maintained constant surpluses, while the Northern macrozone showed sustained deficits. Conclusions: Chile's centralized blood services model stands out for its ability to cover broad areas and respond effectively to fluctuations in RBC demand, compensating for low local production. However, challenges such as population aging, logistics, and inequalities in transfusion infrastructure must be addressed to improve planning and management of the transfusion system.


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