How not to overfill: What should be in the blood bank according to the new order of the Ministry of Health

April 11, 2025, 5:56 a.m.

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Blood Bank Equipment: The Ministry of Health Detailed Everything to the Last Drop — Let’s Break It Down with Severyn

Knowledge and IV buddies, hello there! It's me again — Severyn, your favorite expert with a transparent appearance and clear views on medical equipment.

Today we're going to talk about something important. Not about the latest trends in adhesive bandages or the new flavor notes in saline — but about a fresh update from the Ministry of Health. Yes, I mean the Order No. 395 dated February 5, 2025. This document, like a reliable transfusion kit, clearly outlines what a hospital blood bank must be equipped with if you're providing transfusion services. Sounds complicated? Not at all — let’s break it down clearly, simply, and without losing a single drop of meaning.

You know, I stood in that auditorium longer than three generations of students. And let me tell you something: nothing is more valuable than blood when it comes to saving lives. A blood bank isn’t just a fridge with bags in it. It’s a place where chances are stored. Sometimes — the only one. Without reliable equipment, this place is just a warehouse. But with a real technical arsenal — it becomes a center for emergency care, surgery, oncology, obstetrics... None of these stories are written without a drop of red. So — let’s break down what a blood bank must be equipped with according to the Ministry's order, and why it truly matters.

For a hospital blood bank that performs blood and blood component transfusions to function fully, Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 395 dated 05.02.2025 clearly defines the list of mandatory equipment. First and foremost, these are refrigerators for storing whole blood and red cell components in the working temperature range of +2°C to +6°C. It also includes separate refrigerators for quarantined storage of blood and its components, as well as for retrospective samples — all with the same temperature requirements. For blood plasma, freezing equipment must ensure a stable temperature not higher than –25°C. Platelet components are stored in special incubators that maintain warmth — from +20°C to +24°C.

An essential element is an electronic temperature recorder that allows real-time monitoring of storage conditions, as well as specialized equipment for safe and rapid thawing of blood plasma, which is especially important in urgent clinical situations.

Yes, colleagues, as you can see — nothing excessive, only the essentials. But every item on this list is the result of years of experience, clinical needs, and a focus on patient safety. And let’s remember: even the most advanced operating room can't save a life without a properly equipped blood bank.

By the way, you’ll find the full table with all the necessary equipment — with the ability to go directly

to select items in the catalog — below. Just click, choose, and order. And I, as always, am here — watching, guiding, and slightly jealous of those who have life-saving blood.

Indicative Table of Material and Technical Equipment for a Hospital Blood Bank in a Healthcare Facility Providing Blood and/or Blood Component Transfusion Services

No.	Name	Minimum qty for up to 500 doses	Minimum qty for 500–1000 doses	Minimum qty for 1000–1500 doses	Minimum qty for over 1500 doses	Description
1	Blood bank refrigerator for storing whole blood and red blood cells (operating temperature range from 2°C to 6°C)	1	1	2	2 or more	AC-powered device specifically designed for storing whole blood and blood components, equipped with alarm systems (in case of temperature rise/drop or power failure)
2	Blood bank refrigerator for quarantining whole blood and blood components, storing retrospective samples (operating temperature range from 2°C to 6°C)	1	1	1	1	AC-powered device specifically designed for storing whole blood and blood components, equipped with alarm systems (in case of temperature rise/drop or power failure)
3	Plasma freezer for storing plasma blood components (operating temperature range from −25°C and below)	1	1	1	2	AC-powered device with built-in shelves for storing and easy placement of plasma blood components; corrosion-resistant interior to minimize quality degradation, contamination, and corrosion; forced air circulation and automatic defrost; equipped with alarm systems (in case of temperature rise/drop or power failure)
4	Platelet agitator for storing platelet blood components	As needed	As needed	1	2 or more	Electromechanical AC-powered device specifically designed to prevent platelet sedimentation. It agitates the platelet blood components by rocking the shelves where the containers are placed. Equipped with an alarm indicating interruption of the process
5	Incubator for storing platelet blood components (operating temperature range from 20°C to 24°C)	As needed	As needed	1	2 or more	A device powered by alternating current, specially designed to preserve platelet blood components within a preset temperature range. The incubator is a cabinet-like chamber with shelves and includes built-in temperature indicators and an alarm device that signals if the temperature range limits are exceeded.
6	Electronic temperature recorder	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 5 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 5 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 5 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 5 of this schedule	A device for measuring temperature parameters that continuously reads data and stores it in memory at a specified interval. Equipped with a display indicating the temperature.
7	Blood plasma thawer	1	3	3	4 or more	Device for controlled thawing of plasma blood components stored in frozen state before use
8	Desktop computer with operating system	1	1	1	1	Non-specialized computer powered by alternating current, intended for stationary use on a desk or other work platform, with Internet connection. When used with specialized software, the computer can function as a medical device.
9	Laptop / tablet computer with operating system	1	1	1	1	Portable non-specialized computer with Internet connection. When used with specialized software, it can function as a medical device.
10	Laser printer	1	1	1	1	Monochrome or color printer that uses laser or electrophotographic method to print a full page at once.
11	Voltage stabilizer	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 10 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 10 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 10 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 1 - 10 of this schedule	Device used for powering equipment, eliminating significant fluctuations in AC network voltage
12	Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) system	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 6 and 8 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 6 and 8 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 6 and 8 of this schedule	According to the quantity of medical devices specified in items 6 and 8 of this schedule	Stationary device connected to the healthcare facility power system to provide uninterrupted autonomous power supply in case of electricity outage until backup generators start
13	Specialized thermal containers, thermal bags, and cold packs for transportation of donor blood and/or blood components	Volume and quantity calculated based on the number of whole blood doses and blood components intended for transportation from the blood system entity	Volume and quantity calculated based on the number of whole blood doses and blood components intended for transportation from the blood system entity	Volume and quantity calculated based on the number of whole blood doses and blood components intended for transportation from the blood system entity	Volume and quantity calculated based on the number of whole blood doses and blood components intended for transportation from the blood system entity	Reusable product designed for transportation of donor blood and/or blood components. Liquid-tight and equipped with shock-absorbing inserts to protect against adverse conditions and minimize damage risk; made with thermal insulation materials
14	Temperature logger for transportation control of donor blood and/or blood components	According to the number of specialized thermal containers used for transportation of donor blood and blood components	According to the number of specialized thermal containers used for transportation of donor blood and blood components	According to the number of specialized thermal containers used for transportation of donor blood and blood components	According to the number of specialized thermal containers used for transportation of donor blood and blood components	Device designed to record temperatures inside specialized thermal containers over an extended period during transportation of donor blood and/or blood components
15	Barcode reader	1	1	1	2	Photoelectric electronic device designed to read and interpret barcodes placed within its line of sight. The device may be capable of storing scanned data and uploading it to other data systems
16	Barcode scanner stand	1	1	1	2	Product designed to hold and fix the barcode scanner in position, facilitating its use when needed
17	Telephone	1	1	1	1	Telecommunication device designed for receiving calls
18	Metal laboratory table	2	2	4	4	Product designed for receiving and issuing whole blood and blood components
19	Auxiliary cabinet for document storage	2	2	3	4	Non-personal auxiliary item that allows organizing and storing documents in an orderly manner
20	Office furniture: staff desks, chairs, wardrobe cabinets, etc.	According to the number of staff workplaces	According to the number of staff workplaces	According to the number of staff workplaces	According to the number of staff workplaces	To ensure the work of the hospital blood bank staff