Exploring the pattern of blood utilization in various obstetric scenarios unfolding within the wall of tertiary care centre: A prospective study from western India.

Background and objectives: With increasing demand for blood components being unable to meet the supply in developing countries, there is a need to implement strategies for rational use of blood components. Present study aims to evaluate transfusion practices in obstetric emergencies in a hospital-based blood centre.

Material and methods: The study was conducted from November 2020 to October 2021, focussing on obstetric in-patients who requested blood transfusions. Requests were processed and cross-matched following the hospital's transfusion guidelines. The data on clinical conditions and blood transfusion details were analysed to evaluate the use of blood and blood components in relation to the patients' diagnosis.

Results: Out of 6,753 obstetric cases admitted, 334 patients requested blood components. Blood components were transfused to 271 (81.1%) patients. Total 927 units were used, out of which 57.1% were packed red blood cells. Most common indications were atonic postpartum haemorrhage (36.8%), placental abruption (23.7%) and placenta previa (16.5%). Crossmatch-to-Transfusion Ratio was 1.5, Transfusion Probability was 81.1%, Transfusion Index was 2.8, and Maximum Blood Ordering Schedule was 4.2.

Conclusion: Standard Operating Procedure for an efficient blood ordering policy should be developed and strict adherence to established blood transfusion guidelines must be ensured. Over-ordering can lead to unnecessary reservations and subsequent shortages. Emphasis on appropriate use of blood components to ensure their effective management is crucial.