Question & AnswerQ&A (BRL BUREAU ORDER NO. 09)
Republic Act 1517, known as the Blood Bank Law, authorizes the Bureau of Research and Laboratories to prescribe maximum rates for blood and its products.
No, the provision of blood for transfusion is considered a medical service and shall be rendered as a non-profit service according to Section 4 of R.A. 1517.
Costs for recruiting donors, collection, processing, storing, transportation of blood, reasonable spoilage allowance, and professional services rendered are reimbursable when the recipient or family can afford it.
The maximum rate for whole blood is P400.00.
Only under justifiable circumstances and upon written application and express approval of the Bureau of Research and Laboratories, may blood banks and hospitals charge rates higher than the prescribed maximum.
Yes, they may charge lower rates for indigent and service patients.
Charges for ABO grouping, hemoglobin content testing, screening for malaria, syphilis, HBsAg, and HIV antibody are included in the max rates.
Cryoprecipitate, Washed RBC, and Leucocyte poor RBC each have the highest rate at P600.00.
Yes, Rh negative blood has an additional charge of P50.00 on top of the prescribed rates.
The Order became effective 14 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
No, other laboratory services not mandated can be charged separately.
Yes, it modifies or supersedes all previous issuances inconsistent with this Order, including A.O. No. 116, s. 1985.