What is the primary function of a blood bank?

The primary function of a blood bank is to collect, store, and prepare blood for transfusion. Blood banks play a crucial role in the healthcare system by ensuring that safe and compatible blood products are available for patients who require transfusions due to various medical conditions, surgeries, or trauma. This involves several key processes, including collecting donations from voluntary donors, testing and screening the blood for infectious diseases and blood type compatibility, separating whole blood into its components (such as red blood cells, plasma, and platelets), and ultimately preparing it for use in transfusions.

This operational focus ensures that patients receive the necessary blood components in a timely and efficient manner, which can significantly impact patient outcomes and recovery.