Internal quality control of blood & blood components - Two years study at a standalone blood centre, Ahmedabad

Internal Quality Control (IQC) describes steps taken by the blood centre to ensure that tests are performed correctly and as per the guidelines. Primary goal of Quality Control is transfusion of safe quality of blood components to give optimal benefit to patients. The aim of study was to ensure supply of safe and efficient blood component to patients.Quality control of blood components prepared between December 2019 to November 2021 were included in our study. Monthly Quality control (QC) of the blood components were done as per the national guideline, 1% of total components prepared or minimum 4 units. Packed red cell units were evaluated for haematocrit, random donor platelet concentrates for yield and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate were evaluated for volume, factor VIII and fibrinogen concentrations.A total of 1302 units were tested for IQC. The mean hematocrit of RBC was 58.8%. In PLT, mean yield was 6.9 × 10/cu mm. Mean factor VIII and fibrinogen levels were found to be 377 IU/bag and 851.60 mg/bag in FFP respectively. Mean factor VIII and fibrinogen levels were found to be 311.81 IU/bag and 1694.4 mg/bag in cryoprecipitate respectively.In the present era, Quality Control is very important step in maintaining quality of blood components and the quality objectives of the blood centre, so that we ensure most efficient blood transfusion to patient. The IQC of blood components at our blood centre is in overall compliance and met recommended national standards. Implementation of standard operating procedures, accomplishment of standard guidelines, proper documentation with regular audit and staff competencies can improve the quality performance of the transfusion services.