The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research has launched a blood genetic and transfusion research centre in Lagos. The blood screening hub, otherwise known as ‘Smart Centre, was set up to monitor that each blood bag leaving the premises was not contaminated.
In his address at the official commissioning of the Smart Centre on Tuesday, Director-General of NIMR, Prof. Babatunde Salako described the blood genetic and transfusion research as the first of its kind in the country. “Today, we are witnessing the launch of a new blood genetic and transfusion research centre where the ‘Smart Bag’ project is to be conducted.
Presently, screening is done for only a few specific, pathogenic (disease-causing) microorganisms that are considered to pose the most threat to blood safety. “However, this screening test undermines potential dangers to blood safety by several other pathogens that are uncommon, transmitted at certain period of the year or that occur only in certain areas of the country,” he said.
He explained that the primary aim of the project, which was birthed by a NIMR Research Fellow, Dr. Samuel Amoo and sponsored by LifeBank, was to evaluate the usability and effectiveness of the smart (blood) bag technology in monitoring donor blood used for transfusion. According to him, the research team hypothesized that the use of smart bag would lead to increased accountability of blood as well as blood safety standards in place.
“This is expected to reduction in transfusion-transmitted infections thereby improving the safety of blood being transfused,” he said. On why the blood screening centre was christened ‘Smart Centre,’ Salako told our correspondent that it was named after the ‘Smart Bag’ which was packaged to forestall unforeseen circumstances.
He also described the Smart Centre as unique because he was so condiment that it would serve as a place where the blood bag will be generated, screened and tracked. As a build-up to the launch, the NIMR boss disclosed that three hospitals have so far indicated interest. “The blood will leave here to any of the three hospitals we had an arrangement with – Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Metta; National Orthopaedic Hospital, Lagos and a federal teaching hospital in Lagos,” he stated.
