An Audit of the Pattern of Blood Transfusion at a Tertiary Care Centre

Due to increased requirement of blood, it is necessary to formulate action plans for its prudent use. This study had been conducted to evaluate ongoing transfusion services at a tertiary care centre.

This had been a prospective study of 7 months duration (June 2013-December 2013). The data obtained, regarding the utilization of 10, 203 units of blood component during that period, was compiled and analyzed further.

Total 10, 203 units were cross matched and 9431 units were issued. The overall C/T ratio (Units crossmatched/Units transfused) was 1.08: 1. The transfusion probability & transfusion index obtained were 67.44% and 1.17 respectively. Of 7328 units demand for whole blood and red cell concentrate, red cell concentrate demand was 43% (n= 3154) and whole blood demand was 57% (n= 4174). The maximum demand was received from Obstetrics & Gynaecology department (n= 1450) followed by Paediatrics (n=1434). Maximum utilization of blood units was noticed in Trauma unit (C/T ratio= 1.00: 1) and minimum was observed in department of Surgery (C/T ratio= 1.20: 1). Of 2875 units demand for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) & platelets, FFP demand was 42% (n= 1206) and platelet demand was 58% (n= 1669). 1206 units demand for FFP resulted in transfusion in 1084 patients (average 1.11 units/patient) with maximum demand from department of Surgery (36.3%) followed by Pediatrics (22.4%) and the commonest indication being burns followed by full term acute fetal distress (FTAFD)/sepsis.

This study highlights that every health care institute must develop distinct transfusion guidelines based on the nature of routine & emergency services and implement them through the institutional transfusion committee to assure effective blood utilization.