The Impact of COVID-19 on Blood Transfusion Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: While SARS-CoV-2's main transmission route is through respiratory droplets, research has found that viral RNA could be detected in blood samples, causing concerns over the safety of blood donations and blood products. This paper therefore aims to systematically search for studies that have addressed their country's lack of donations and analyse the risk of blood transfusion-transmission. As such, it will answer the question "should blood services focus more on donation vigilance or worry more about the risks of transmission through blood products?"

Methods: 38 articles were identified through a systematic review adopting the PRISMA and STROBE guidelines.