Analysis of Discarded Blood Components at a University Hospital in Korea

Kim, Byung Chul; Seo, Young Ik; Chai, Gum Ran; Shin, Jeong Won; Choi, Tae Youn

Abstract

BACKGROUND
When it comes to wasting blood components, it usually means wastage before transfusion due to several reasons such as improvement of the patient's condition, death of the patient, delay of blood returning, etc. Yet blood components can sometimes can be wasted after a transfusion is started and this is referred as residual blood wastage. In this study, we analyzed the rate and causes of discarded blood components that are not used and the residual blood wastage in order to help reduce the rate of blood component wastage.
METHODS
From January 2009 to December 2010, the number of and the reasons for discarded blood components without use and residual blood wastage were analyzed by reviewing the laboratory information system and wastage statements at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital.
RESULTS
The number of blood components issued during the study period was 24,001 units. Among them, the number of units discarded without use was 162 units (0.7%) and the number of units of residual blood wastage was 115 units (0.5%). Among the reasons for the discarded blood component without use, improvement of the patient's conditions ranked as 1st with 80 units (49.5%) and death of the patient ranked as 2nd with 42 units (25.9%). The biggest reason for the residual blood wastage was transfusion-related side effects with as many as 52 units (45.2%). Other than side effects, the wastage of residue from pediatric transfusion were 48 units (41.7%), followed by delay of surgery with 5 units (4.3%) and patients' refusal with 4 units (3.5%).
CONCLUSION
The wastage of residue from pediatric transfusion was the second most common cause of residual blood wastage in our hospital. According to this, we should evaluate the routine use of pediatric transfusion bags and their cost-effectiveness in our hospital.