Objective: to perform a diagnosis of the supply and demand of blood components within the Colombian epidemiological context, in order to set a baseline for future supply chain modeling that effectively satisfies the needs for the country. Methods: a descriptive and retrospective study was conducted, based on official sources of information regarding epidemiological data in Colombia, as well as blood collection and transfusion and possible flight connections.Results: nowadays, the 62.3 % of the national blood supply is provided by only 19% of the total number of operative banks in the country (16 / 82). These blood banks are placed in 8 different cities, that in turn show health indicators and population density above national averages. All these cities have airports with enough flight connections to send blood components to any region within the country.Conclusions: the situation of the supply and demand of blood components in Colombia shows a significant margin for improvement. A supply chain modeling could be supported on 4 strategies: centralization of the collection model; inventory management and transportation; government oversight of the Colombian network of blood banks; and evaluation/follow-up of the blood supply and demand.
