Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Health, through the National Diagnostics Division (NDD) and the National Blood Safety Program (NBSP), has commenced a two-day “Blood Compatibility & Crossmatch Training for Laboratory Supervisors and County Diagnostic Officers” from July 22–23, 2026. The training is being conducted at the Margibi County Health Team (CHT) Conference Hall in Kakata, Margibi County, and the Grand Gedeh CHT Conference Hall in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County.
The training brings together laboratory supervisors and County Diagnostic Officers to strengthen national capacity for safe blood transfusion, focusing on blood group systems, compatibility testing, crossmatch procedures, and quality management in transfusion testing, as outlined in the official agenda (pages 1–3).
Launching the activity on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Benedict B. Kolee, Head of the Ministry of Health’s National Blood Safety Program, underscored the urgent need for safe and adequate blood across the country.
“Every day in Liberia, mothers with obstetric complications, children with severe malaria, accident victims, and patients with chronic conditions depend on timely access to safe blood and blood products,” Dr. Kolee stated. “Our challenge is not only to increase the supply of blood, but to ensure that every unit that reaches a patient is of the highest possible quality. This training is a critical step toward strengthening the safety of blood transfusion services nationwide and is in line with the Ministry’s 365 days boots on the ground the reduce Maternal and Neonatal Mortality.
Dr. Kolee emphasized that improving the quality of blood starts with rigorous donor screening, proper collection, storage, and transportation, and is completed in the laboratory where compatibility and crossmatch testing are performed.
“Unsafe or poorly tested blood can be life‑threatening,” he added. “By equipping our laboratory supervisors and county diagnostic officers with up‑to‑date skills in blood compatibility and crossmatch techniques, we are reducing the risk of transfusion reactions and infections, and protecting the lives of our citizens. The Ministry under the visionary leadership of Dr. Louise M. Kpoto is committed to building a blood system that is safe, reliable, and accessible in all counties.”
The training agenda includes core topics such as ABO and Rh blood group systems, antigen–antibody interactions, transfusion safety, immediate spin and antiglobulin crossmatch techniques, as well as practical sessions and case studies on managing transfusion reactions. The National Blood Safety Program leads the coordination of safe blood and blood products nationwide, including donor mobilization, blood collection, testing, storage, distribution, and the promotion of safe transfusion practices.
In his opening statement, Jonathan Kpaka, Director of the National Diagnostics Division, highlighted the central role of high‑quality laboratory testing in the safe use of blood.
“Safe blood is not possible without strong laboratory systems,” Dr. Kpaka said. “Every compatibility test, every crossmatch, and every result reported by our laboratories can be the difference between life and death. This is why we are prioritizing improved laboratory testing of blood at all levels of the health system.”
He stressed the importance of standardization, quality management, and mentorship in laboratories across Liberia.
“Through this training, we are reinforcing best practices in pre‑transfusion testing, quality control, documentation, and error prevention,” Dr. Kpaka continued. “We are also strengthening the supervisory and mentorship role of laboratory leaders, so they can coach their teams, identify diagnostic gaps, and ensure adherence to national and international standards. Our goal is that whether a patient is in Monrovia, Kakata, Zwedru, or any other county, they can trust that the blood they receive has been properly tested and is safe.” The National Diagnostics Division of the Ministry of Health is responsible for strengthening laboratory services across Liberia, including policy development, standards, supervision, and capacity building for diagnostic services at all levels of care.
The two‑day program includes:
– Foundations of blood group systems (ABO and Rh) and their clinical significance
– Principles of blood compatibility and antigen–antibody interactions
– Practical training in saline and antiglobulin crossmatch techniques
– Quality management in transfusion testing, including documentation, error prevention, and corrective actions
– Supervisory and mentorship skills for laboratory leaders, including simulation exercises and case‑based learning
The Ministry of Health plans to use the outcomes of this training to further inform national policies and guidelines on blood safety and diagnostic services.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working with partners and stakeholders to expand voluntary blood donation, enhance blood banking services, and invest in robust laboratory systems in all counties.