Korean J Blood Transfus.  2019 Dec;30(3):230-235. 10.17945/kjbt.2019.30.3.230.

Distribution of Hemoglobin Concentration before Transfusion for Evaluation of Appropriateness of Red Blood Cell Transfusion

• Jeong IH
• Kim KH
• An GD
• Jeong GC

• KMID: 2470581
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17945/kjbt.2019.30.3.230

Abstract

Red blood cell transfusions have been associated with the risk of transfusion transmitted infections, and inappropriate transfusions may have an adverse effect on the patient's clinical course. The laboratory information system was used to examine the distribution of the hemoglobin level before transfusion and to use it as a basis for evaluating the appropriateness. A program was developed for assessing the hemoglobin level that was checked within five days before a red blood cell transfusion. The hemoglobin level was analyzed according to each clinical department and the site where the transfusion had been done from Jun to Dec 2018. A total of 10,520 units of red blood cells were transfused, and leuko-reduced units accounted for 2,225 units (21.2%). The hemoglobin measurements were taken in all units within five days. The median hemoglobin level before the transfusion was 7.9 g/dL. A significant difference in the hemoglobin level (P<0.0001) was observed among clinical departments and transfusion sites. The median hemoglobin level in cardiology was significantly higher than the other medical sub-departments. The hemoglobin level was significantly higher in the operating room (10.3 g/dL) than in the hemodialysis room (7.15 g/dL). The difference in the distribution of the hemoglobin level before a transfusion may be used as data for communication with the clinical department.

Keyword

Red blood cell; Transfusion; Hemoglobin

MeSH Terms

Cardiology
Clinical Laboratory Information Systems
Erythrocyte Transfusion*
Erythrocytes*
Operating Rooms
Renal Dialysis