Abstract
In October, 2009, a survey regarding albumin products was urgently conducted. From the responses, an analysis was conducted on the transition to the use of domestically produced human albumin solution (HAS) versus imported blood products, which included the effect of DPC (Diagnosis Procedure Combination) or IC (informed consent) on the use of drug formulations. Further, methods for increasing the rate of self-sufficiency were reported. At 5% HSA, the ratio of domestically produced blood products in 2008 was low, at approximately 28%, and decreased by about 1% in 2009. At 20% or 25% HSA, the ratio of domestically produced blood products in 2008 was relatively high, of 86% for the former and 77% for the latter, with the former decreasing to 81% in 2009 and the latter increasing to 79%. In regard to the influence of the introduction of DPC, the average rate of self-sufficiency for albumin products was lower in hospitals where DPC was introduced than in non-DPC hospitals. Although more than 90% of facilities conducted IC for albumin administration, only about 20% of facilities provided information regarding the country of origin of the raw materials and whether they were from non-remunerated blood donation or remunerated blood collection. In hospitals which did conduct IC regarding the raw blood materials, the usage rate of all types of domestically produced blood products was high. On the other hand, only 7% of facilities used both domestic and imported blood products at formulations of 5% and 25%. These findings suggest that IC regarding the source of raw blood materials will be effective in raising the rate of self-sufficiency of albumin products. To improve effectiveness, however, it is also necessary to make efforts in each facility to expand choices for blood products.
