Improving the safety of the blood supply in Ecuador through external performance evaluation of serological screening of blood donors

Conclusion: The high number of incorrect results in most small blood services indicates serious weaknesses in blood screening that require urgent corrective action. The National Blood System has implemented on-site audits, training, technical assistance, and increased oversight. The long-term proposal is to centralize blood testing in two large blood centers. The results presented here underline the importance of strengthening the regulatory framework and oversight in Ecuador and highlight the role of external performance evaluation programs for blood safety improvement.