Audit of blood utilization in a tertiary care hospital: Our experience over a period of 2 years

Context: Blood transfusion plays a vital role in saving lives. However, owing to its many side effects, it should be used judiciously. Aim: The aims of this study were: audit of blood utilization in our tertiary care set up, formulation of a maximum surgical blood ordering schedule (MSBOS) for procedures where a complete cross-match appears mandatory, and improvement in the efficiency of blood utilization in trauma care. Methods: All patients admitted to Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital during the study period for whom cross-match requests were sent to blood bank were included in this study. They were divided into groups according to the departments under which they were admitted. Data were analyzed and cross-match to transfusion ratio (C/T ratio), transfusion index, and transfusion probability (%T) were calculated. C/T ratio was used as an index of the efficacy of blood ordering practice, and a ratio of >2.5 was considered an indication of the excess cross match. Results: The maximum C/T ratio of 34.11 was noted in the Department of Cardiology. Only three departments (Artificial Kidney Dialysis, Pediatrics, and Medical Intensive Care Unit) showed effective utilization of blood. Minimum C/T ratio of 1.34 observed in the Department of Artificial Kidney Dialysis. Conclusion: We found gross over-ordering of blood by different departments. Hence we propose the formulation of a blood ordering schedule. We drafted a MSBOS which provides guidelines for frequently performed elective surgical procedures by recommending the maximum number of units of blood to be cross-matched preoperatively, implementation of which will result in more efficient use of blood.