Should fresh whole blood routinely be collected from pre-screened donors to maintain an inventory of Walking Blood Bank products?

Maintaining an inventory of Walking Blood Bank products does not require routine collection of fresh whole blood from pre-screened donors. The practice of collecting blood should be based on specific needs rather than regular collection schedules. Fresh whole blood, while potentially lifesaving in emergencies, is generally collected on an as-needed basis to ensure that it is used effectively and efficiently. This helps to minimize waste and ensures that collected blood is used while it is still viable.

Routine collection could lead to surplus blood that might expire before being used, which is a concern in blood bank management. Additionally, the demand for blood products can fluctuate due to various factors, such as seasonal events or specific emergencies, suggesting that a reactive approach is often more suitable. The focus should be on collecting blood when there is a specific need or a shortage, rather than adhering to a fixed or routine collection cycle.