Irish Blood Transfusion Service

Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is the national organization responsible for the collection, testing and distribution of blood and blood products in Ireland. It is a not-for-profit organization that operates under the aegis of the Department of Health.

History

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service was established in 1965, replacing the earlier Dublin Blood Transfusion Service. The organization was created to centralize and standardize the collection and distribution of blood and blood products across the country.

Operations

The IBTS operates from a National Blood Centre in Dublin and has regional centres in Cork, Limerick, and Carlow. It also operates mobile clinics which travel around the country to collect blood donations.

The IBTS is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of the blood supply. All donated blood is tested for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and other blood-borne diseases. The IBTS also carries out research and development in the field of transfusion medicine.

Donation

Anyone aged between 18 and 65 can donate blood in Ireland, although there are some restrictions for those who have certain medical conditions or who have lived or travelled in certain countries. The IBTS encourages regular donation and aims to maintain a seven-day supply of all blood types.

See also

• Blood donation
• Blood bank
• Transfusion medicine

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