The effect of Bam earthquake on blood supply and safety in Shiraz blood transfusion organization, winter 1382.

Understanding of characteristics of blood donors in time of crisis may help predicting of blood supply and safety in the emergency situation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Bam earthquake on bloods supply and safety in Shiraz blood transfusion organization (BTO) in 1382. This is a descriptive-analytical study that was done on all blood donors who referred to Shiraz BTO for blood donation after Bam earthquake. Demographic characteristics, the number of donations, and the prevalence of blood borne diseases related to the donation were compared before and after the earthquake. Using descriptive and analytical statistics (Chi-square), data were analyzed. During a couple of days in winter 1382 and following Bam earthquake, the number of blood donors who referred to BTO were1694, whereas, the numbers referred before the earthquake was 239. After earthquake the number of first time, single, female and low educational blood donors was more than normal condition (P<0.05). The prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBS after earthquake was 0.001%, 0.02% and 0.01% and the prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBS in normal population was 0.01%, 0.1% and 0.1% that was less than normal condition (P<0.05). It seems that following the earthquake, the number of blood donations, their safety and supply were not face any significant problems.