Hello Christina,
I think for the long term solution may be to look into bring it in house, plan for the budget and license through FDA.
In the mean time, do you know much syringes you use per week? My old hospital used to stock aliquots in the NICU ward with syringes devices that has the filter. Volume was kept at 75cc, and the syringe goes up to 60cc.
Can the local supplier still provide you for irradiate blood for neonates? Can they provide you for sterile aliquots, let's say for each unit, you ask them to split into 3 equal size aliquot bags?
Coordinate with nursing, and have them pull syringes at bedside. Blood bank may be able to convert the unit before releasing to the neonate from original expiration to 24 hours expiration.
For exchange transfusion, I'd also recommend looking into how much utilization you actually have. Unfortunately, I don't have much ideas on this. I recommend taking this to the top, and indicate your solution, and beg for money to bring it in house as you have no alternative. In the mean time, temporarily cease exchange transfusion as a service while you bring that in house.
Are there no viable alternative blood supplier near you that can supply your need? Within 100 mile radius?
I am just offering these as a possible idea and strategy, please verify with accrediting agency and FDA if that keep you in compliance.
I would love to hear how you are going to overcome this.
This might also be a good time to review your service contract/agreement with your current supplier.
Good luck
Qichao Stephen Ji, MS MSc MLS(ASCP)SBB CQA(ASQ) LSSGB