Analysis of Turnaround Times of Blood Issue at an Island Hospital

Kim, Sun Hyung; Chung, You Nam; Kim, Young Ree; Kang, Sung Ha

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Transfusion service, as a task directly affecting the patient's life, must be performed as expeditiously as possible. However, for various reasons, we have experienced difficulty in supplying blood products in a timely manner. In this study, we analyzed the turnaround time (TAT) of blood issue and attempted to find a solution.
METHODS
We evaluated the TATs for the request and preparation of blood transfusions in our hospital from January to December 2011. The time of blood issue, from acceptance of the request to preparation in the blood bank, was calculated from computerized medical records. In cases in which the TAT exceeded 24 hours, we investigated the type of blood component and the cause of the delay.
RESULTS
A total of 12,856 units of blood were issued during the study year. Of these, 1,333 units (10.4%) had TATs exceeding 24 hours. These units included 148 units of red blood cells (RBC) (2.1%), 49 units of leukocyte-filtered red blood cells (F-RBC) (69.0%), 92 units of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (3.9%), six units of cryoprecipitates (CRYO) (7.4%), 818 units of platelets (PLT) (27.1%), and 220 units of apheresis platelets (A-PLT) (66.5%). The preparation times for PLT and A-PLT were more delayed. The cause of the delays was lack of inventory at the blood center.
CONCLUSION
We recommend that the blood center keep blood products even at the risk that they will be discarded for exceeding the expiration date. In addition, we suggest that testing of donated blood be performed within the region.