About the National Blood Transfusion Service

History

From early blood storage to a national service.

On December 6, 1948, the storage of blood began in a small building attached to the Government Bacteriological Laboratory, now the National Public Health Laboratory, on North Street. Before then, blood transfusions were given directly from donor to patient.

As demand grew, the service expanded. Disposable equipment was introduced by the beginning of 1957, and a mobile unit began collecting blood in various places across Jamaica. Voluntary parish committees helped with promotion, education and later fundraising for blood collection centres at main hospitals.

In 1958, the Transfusion Service moved to its present location at 21 Slipe Pen Road and began operating as a separate department from the National Public Health Laboratory.

How the service supports Jamaica

Blood collected from centres and mobile sessions is processed at the main collection centre at Slipe Pen Road and redistributed to hospitals. Voluntary organizations have played an important role throughout the service’s history, including the Blood Bank Association, which supports NBTS and helps promote blood donation.

Website acknowledgement

The National Blood Transfusion Service acknowledges the website development support provided at no cost by Chrysalis Communications (external website).