Impact on costs related to inadequate indication of blood transfusion

Abstract

Introduction

Blood component wastage has become a financial and ethical challenge in everyday hospital practice. Inadequate indication of blood products has been reported in up to 57.3% of cases. This has caused a significant increase in the costs associated with blood transfusion. The aim of this study was to establish the impact of inadequate indication of blood products on costs related to blood transfusion in a university hospital.

Material and methods

A retrospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted to evaluate blood product transfusions performed between January 1 and June 30, 2015, based on the criteria of the American Association of Blood Banks. The direct cost of blood product units was determined and transfusions were classified by type of indication, and the service ordering the transfusion.

Results

Based on the American Association of Blood Banks guidelines, 1028 transfusions were evaluated and 47.8% of these had an inadequate indication, equivalent to an estimated $38,766.87 USD for direct processing costs. According to the type of blood product transfused, 29.4% of fresh frozen plasma, 38.6% of packed red blood cells, and 68.2% of platelet concentrates had an inadequate indication.

Conclusions

An inadequate blood transfusion indication produces a high impact on costs related to blood transfusion involving an estimated yearly unnecessary expense of $860,766.64 USD in our hospital.