In collaboration with SEHA, Department of Health launches ‘Frozen Red Blood Cells’ project to boost blood transfusion stocks

In collaboration with Abu Dhabi Health Services- SEHA, the Department of Health Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of a Frozen Red Blood Cells project, which will ensure the existence of a strategic blood supply in blood banks. Abu Dhabi Blood Bank Services (ADBBS), provider of blood transfusion services in Abu Dhabi, will be responsible for implementing new technologies to lead the frozen red blood cells project.

The first of its kind in the UAE, the Frozen Red Blood Cells project will pair state-of-the-art technology with highly skilled professionals to achieve its target of freezing approximately 600 units of frozen blood every year, 480 in Abu Dhabi and 120 in Al Ain over the next five years, to manage urgent blood transfusion demands.

The Frozen Red Blood Cells project underpins our goal to set the stage for a sustainable future for the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, a future based on preparedness to grasp every opportunity to provide all members of our community with world-class healthcare services

Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of Department of Health Abu Dhabi

Red blood cells traditionally have a limited shelf-life of 21 to 42 days, depending on the preservative solution used. This may lead to a shortage of transfusion services available, and subsequently lack of supply to meet the demands of rapidly evolving surgical disciplines, natural disasters, and seasonal or pandemic related challenges.

H.E Dr Jamal Mohammed Al Kaabi, Undersecretary of Department of Health Abu Dhabi, said: “The Frozen Red Blood Cells project underpins our goal to set the stage for a sustainable future for the healthcare sector in Abu Dhabi, a future based on preparedness to grasp every opportunity to provide all members of our community with world-class healthcare services and ensure all their needs are met in the most efficient and effective way possible, while providing all medical supplies to be prepared to deal with urgent cases. As we move forward with this approach, we continue to contribute to our vision ‘A Healthier Abu Dhabi’.

Dr. Marwan Al Kaabi, Acting Group Chief Operations Officer, SEHA, said: “To ensure sufficient supply and to meet the ongoing demand for blood products and transfusions, a balance must be maintained between the number of blood donors and units of blood collected, and the requirements faced by hospitals based on patient needs. This includes the need to implement additional strategies to ensure the constant availability of blood for essential transfusions.”

ADBBS is implementing novel technologies to freeze red blood cells, expanding their lifespan to 10 years. This enables a more effective and rapid response to life-threatening situations, in addition to helping accommodate the unique transfusion needs of some patients. The innovation also supports the establishment and maintenance of a strategic blood supply in blood banks. To initiate the freezing process, a cryo-protectant solution called glycerol is added to red blood cells, and later stored in mechanical freezers at -80°C, where they can remain viable for up to 10 years. When red blood cells are required for transfusion, they are removed from the freezers to undergo a thawing process. Once thawed, the blood expires within 14 days.

Expanding the lifespan of red blood cells by 10 years allows us to create a significant stockpile of viable blood, ensuring we are always ready to respond to and serve the community of the UAE with their transfusion needs

Dr Naima Oumeziane, Medical Director of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, SEHA

Dr Naima Oumeziane, Medical Director of Abu Dhabi Blood Bank, SEHA, said: “Expanding the lifespan of red blood cells by 10 years allows us to create a significant stockpile of viable blood, ensuring we are always ready to respond to and serve the community of the UAE with their transfusion needs. We are proud to be spearheading the storage of this essential, life-saving material in the nation, and look forward to working with our partners in the healthcare ecosystem to ensure that patients’ needs are met as seamlessly as possible.”

ADBBS was established in 2020 and is overseen by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DOH) and managed by Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), the largest healthcare provider in the UAE. Operating within a network of blood donation centers located in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions, ADBBS provides blood products and transfusion-related medical services across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The work on the implementation of frozen red blood cells began in March 2020, and today the launch of project has been carried out successfully.

By collaborating with the relevant authorities, stakeholders, hospitals, clinicians and volunteer blood donors, ADBBS is an active and integral contributor to Abu Dhabi’s healthcare system, ensuring quality that adheres to international and local standards of excellence, established by the American Association of Blood Banks (AABB), the UAE Federal Regulation of Blood Transfusion, and Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.