The aim of this study was to evaluate blood transfusion services (BTS) at the main blood banks (BBs) of the Sana'a Capital. The 4 main BBs at Sana'a Capital were evaluated according to the safe World Health Organization BTS standards. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires covering 6 components: activities, quality assurance system (QAS) and training, donation, grouping and compatibility testing, components, and screening for transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs). An overall mean percent score for BTS was calculated where <60% is considered unsatisfactory, 60% to 79.9% satisfactory, and ≥80% highly satisfactory. The 4 BBs screen for HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C and perform all functions except therapeutic transfusion. While 75% of the staff in BBs had received training in biosafety and half of the staff had received training in Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), no QAS in place at any of the 4 BBs. The 4 BBs depended on 71% of their transfusions on family donors. Two BBs do not perform reverse grouping and do not keep patient/donor samples for the required minimum 5 days. Only one BB achieved an overall high satisfactory score and one achieved a satisfactory score. Findings highlight the increasing challenges facing BTS in Sana'a Capital especially the lack of therapeutic transfusion, poor QAS, and predominant dependence on the family donors. Therefore, there is a need to develop and train staff on QAS and to increase awareness among public on importance of voluntary donation. A wider scale evaluation of BTS in Sana'a is recommended.
Keywords: Yemen; blood transfusion services; evaluation; field epidemiology training program; quality.