BLOOD COMPONENT USAGE AT THE EMERGENCY AND CRITICAL CARE UNIT, FUKUOKA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

Abstract

We analyzed the usage of blood components at an Emergency and Critical Care Unit for 2 years, from 2001 to 2002. A total of 531 patients who received blood transfusions were divided into two groups, injured (group I; n=137 patients) and uninjured (group U; n=394 patients). Analysis of trigger points for transfusion revealed that group I showed statistically higher levels than those of group U, at 9.4 vs 8.6g/dl in Hemoglobin for red blood cell concentrates (RBCC), 69% vs 57% in prothrombin time for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and 60, 000 vs 47, 000/μl in platelet counts for platelet concentrates. The trigger points in both groups for plasma transfusion were much higher than those recommended by the Government (30%). The FFP/RBCC ratios of transfused components were 0.31 in group I and 1.14 in group U. The cross-match/transfusion ratios were 1.3 in group I and 1.5 in group U, showing appropriate values. More than one kind of blood component was returned, however, during treatment in about one-half of group I and one-third of group U. Discussion of trigger points and other factors by the Blood Transfusion Committee is needed to determine the appropriate usage of blood components.