BCF only delivers blood to the treating physician using trained couriers. This is to prevent delays, losses or, as may occur in some countries, the original blood being exchanged for local, unscreened blood. It is a sad fact that in some countries, blood provided by BCF is considered a high value item, to be sold to the highest bidder.
When requested, the relevant blood centre packs the required units, which are collected by the courier and taken to the airport where he collects his flight tickets. Should an unexpected delay occur the courier has been trained to re-ice the transportation box, to ensure the blood remains between 2°-10°C whilst in his possession.
The courier carries the blood as hand baggage and it never leaves his possession. When he arrives at the hospital where the patient is being treated, the blood remains in the transportation box until the transfusion takes place. This eliminates the risk of the blood being accidentally switched in the blood bank.
After the transfusion, the courier returns with the empty blood bags, so that if a possible post transfusion problem occurs, BCF can properly investigate the quality of the blood supplied.
