Academy
The first national workshop of blood service nurses in Mongolia
Enkhchimeg Lkhagva
National Center for Transfusion Medicine, Mongolia
Narmandakh Jamyanbaatar
National Center for Transfusion Medicine, Mongolia
The Mongolian blood service includes 27 blood banks, many of which are located far from Ulaanbaatar. Because of the long distance, nurses working in regional blood centers have limited access to updated information, training, and professional support. To reduce this gap and support regional nurses, The First National Workshop of Blood Service Nurses was organized as an ISBT Academy event.
The workshop was held by the National Center for Transfusion Medicine (NCTM) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on 25–26 September 2025. Participants included transfusion nurses from all 27 regional blood center branches, medical laboratory specialists, representatives from the government and the Mongolian Nurses Society, NCTM staff, and health journalists. The workshop was funded by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) and jointly organized with NCTM. The main purpose was to strengthen the skills of blood service nurses, support work according to international standards, and improve the safety and quality of blood and blood products.
The first day of the workshop focused on blood safety and quality and provided updated information to participants. The workshop was opened by Narantuya Bayarmagnai, Director of NCTM, who emphasized the important role of nurses in transfusion medicine and the need for leadership and responsibility in nursing practice. Representatives from the Ministry of Health shared opening remarks and national policy directions. Dr Alimaa, internal auditor, presented WHO strategic priorities1 on blood safety, quality systems, workforce capacity, and international nursing standards. Dr. Tungalagtuya, Head of the Blood Quality and Safety Department, introduced AABB quality standards2 for blood bank safety and quality assessment.
Participants of the first national workshop of blood service nurses
Participants working on group discussion
Group training in laboratory section
The current situation of blood services in Mongolia was also discussed. Topics included donor vigilance and screening, blood component production, new technologies, nursing support policies, and the use of digital systems in routine work. The sessions included group work, open discussions, and a case presentation.
The second day mainly focused on practical training. Participants were divided into groups and rotated through different NCTM units, including donor registration and collection, production and technology, laboratory services, and information technology. Practical activities covered the use of single-use donor kits, plasma collection using PCS and MCS devices, preparation of plasma, red blood cells, and platelets, determination of Rh subgroups and Kell antigen, hemoglobin testing, product registration and release, quality control documentation, and the use of electronic systems for records, protocols, and audits.
At the end of the workshop, certificates were awarded to all participants, and overall feedback was very positive. Participants requested that workshops be organized regularly, as this was the first national event focused specifically on blood service nurses. Participants especially valued the practical sessions and group discussions, which helped them apply the knowledge in their daily work. In conclusion, the 1st National Nurses’ Workshop successfully advanced the knowledge and skills of blood service nurses in Mongolia, laying a foundation for work according to international standards. Supported by ISBT funding, WHO strategic guidance, and NCTM organization, the workshop represented a significant step forward in improving blood safety and quality management nationwide.
Dr.Narantuya (general manager, NCTM) delivering keynote address to participants
Participants doing group work presentation
References
- Action framework to advance universal access to safe, effective and quality-assured blood products 2020–2023. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2020.
- Fundamental Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services. 1st edition. AABB; 2018.
