The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Delta State Branch, has condemned recent allegations of unhygienic blood collection, clarifying that isolated misconduct does not represent the regulated, safe standards of the profession .
The Association during a Press briefing Condemn police claim in Delta State on social media that suggested widespread infection risks from blood transfusion by Laboratory Scientists operating in the state .
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Delta State Branch in a statement signed by the chairman ,Dr Bini Nathaniel and the Publicity secretary
MLS Isioma Uwagbai disclosed that Blood donation and transfusion is always being carried out under strictly controlled, sterile, and professionally regulated conditions to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients.
The group added that any practice that compromises the standards is unacceptable and capable of undermining public confidence in the healthcare system.
The group stressed that the briefing is to correct possible misconceptions that may arise from the recent police statement suggesting that many citizens have become infected with HIV or other infections through blood transfusion due to blood being unethically collected from donors.
They stated that while isolated cases of professional misconduct may occur in any field, it is important to emphasize that such actions do not represent the standard practice of the medical laboratory profession in Nigeria.
The full Text Reads;
Clarification on Blood Transfusion Safety and Response to Misconceptions Arising from Recent Police Statement
The attention of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Delta State Branch, has been drawn to a disturbing incident reported by the police involving a medical laboratory professional who allegedly collected blood from a donor for transfusion purposes in an unhygienic manner and within an unhealthy environment.
While the matter is currently under investigation, the Association strongly condemns any act that violates established professional, ethical, and safety standards guiding blood donation, laboratory practice, and transfusion services. Blood donation and transfusion must always be carried out under strictly controlled, sterile, and professionally regulated conditions to ensure the safety of both donors and recipients. Any practice that compromises these standards is unacceptable and capable of undermining public confidence in the healthcare system.
This press release is therefore issued to correct possible misconceptions that may arise from the recent police statement suggesting that many citizens have become infected with HIV or other infections through blood transfusion due to blood being unethically collected from donors. While isolated cases of professional misconduct may occur in any field, it is important to emphasize that such actions do not represent the standard practice of the medical laboratory profession in Nigeria.
The Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN), Delta State Branch — and indeed the Association nationwide — is a body of responsible professionals who uphold the highest standards of ethics and professionalism and does not condone unethical or indisciplined practices among its members.
Medical Laboratory Science is a highly regulated profession in Nigeria. The training, licensing, and professional conduct of practitioners are regulated by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria(MLSCN), which operates under the provisions of the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria Act. This regulatory framework ensures that medical laboratory services, including blood screening for transfusion, comply with nationally approved standards and international best practices.
Furthermore, national blood transfusion activities are coordinated by the National Blood Service Commission, which promotes safe blood donation, screening, storage, and distribution across the country.
It is important to reiterate that standard medical practice requires that every unit of donated blood be properly screened before transfusion. Screening is conducted to detect transfusion-transmissible infections such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other pathogens that may pose risks to recipients. These procedures follow internationally accepted blood safety protocols recommended by the World Health Organization.
Medical Laboratory Scientists are highly trained professionals whose responsibilities include performing laboratory investigations and ensuring that blood intended for transfusion is safe for clinical use. Their work is guided by strict laboratory protocols, professional ethics, and quality assurance systems.
Consequently, any general claim implying that blood is routinely transfused without screening, or that infections are widely transmitted through blood transfusion due to unethical practices by Medical Laboratory Scientists, is misleading and does not reflect the standard of professional practice in Nigeria.
While the Association will never defend professional misconduct, it is important to state that the actions of an individual should not be used to discredit an entire profession dedicated to safeguarding public health. We remain committed to upholding ethical standards and working with regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies to ensure that justice is served and public confidence in medical laboratory services is maintained.
The association request the Delta State Government to establishment the Directorate of Medical Laboratory Services in the Ministry of Health, which is saddled with the responsibility of regulation and policy implementation, monitoring and Inspection, enforcement of professional ethics, quality assurance and quality control, investigation of complaints, sanctions and disciplinary actions. The department creation will help forestall unhealthy and unethical practice in the state from occurring.
The Association wishes to emphasize that any member found to have engaged in unethical or illegal practices, after due investigation, will be subjected to disciplinary procedures and prosecuted in accordance with the extant laws regulating the profession.
In addition, the AMLSN Delta State Branch assures the police and members of the public that it will provide all necessary professional cooperation and support to the police and other relevant authorities to ensure that justice, fairness, and due process are served whenever any unethical conduct involving a Medical Laboratory professional is suspected or reported.
The Association therefore encourages members of the public to obtain accurate information from recognized health authorities and professional bodies. We also urge individuals and organizations to avoid spreading misinformation that may create unnecessary fear or erode confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Medical Laboratory Scientists remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professional practice and to safeguarding public health through reliable medical laboratory services and safe blood transfusion practices.
Signed:
Dr Bini Nathaniel
Chairman,AMLSN Delta State
MLS Uwagbai Isioma
Publicity secretary, AMLSN Delta State
