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Full Length Research Paper
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Blood shortage situation:
An audit of red blood cells order and pattern of utilization
Enosolease Mathew Ebose1*
and Imarengiaye Charles Osalumese2
1Department
of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Medicine,
College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Benin
City, Nigeria, and University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.
M. B. 1111, Benin City, Nigeria.
2Department
of Anaesthesiology, School of Medicine, College of Medical
Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author.
E-mail:
mateenos@yahoo.co.uk.
Accepted
25 August, 2009 |
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Abstract |
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The
objective of this work is to audit blood utilization by
different specialties in the hospital using the Cross-match
ratio as a guide to achieving effective transfusion
practices. This was a prospective study. The blood bank of
University Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Nigeria was used
for the study. We analysed all blood orders from January to
December, 2008. Data collection included number of units of
red blood cells ordered and the origin of the orders, the
actual numbers of units transfused and points of use. A
total of 8988 units of red blood cells were available but
19147 cross-matches (units) were ordered for 3067 patients,
representing approximately 6 cross-match per patients and
the mean cross-match/transfusion ratio of 2.2 (19147/8988).
Cross-match/transfusion ratio for various departments/units
were: Medicine 1.8; Paediatrics 2.6; Obstetrics and
Gynaecology 1.6; Surgery /Orthopaedics 3.3; Accident and
Emergency 3.3 and Theatres 1 and the probability that
cross-matched blood might not be used were 43, 61, 39, 70, 0
and 58%, respectively. Cost implication of unnecessary
cross-match was 7, 879,500:00 Nigeria Naira (69,118.42
United States Dollar) per annum with surgical units
accounting for nearly 3,000,000:00 Nigeria Naira (26,315.9
United States Dollar) for the period of the study.
Cross-match orders and C/T ratio vary from one department or
unit to another. The unnecessary cross-match has financial
and personnel implications on transfusion service in the
hospital. It may be clinically prudent to streamline
transfusion and cross-match orders so as to ensure the best
transfusion practices.
Key
words:
C/T ratio, blood transfusion, cost of cross-match. |
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