Blood transfusion request pattern in a medical center in Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Nigeria has a national policy on blood services, however, most medical facilities find difficulties in establishing a viable, efficient blood banking system; therefore, it becomes necessary to ensure judicious utilization of this scarce commodity. Therefore, this study hopes to determine the pattern of demand for blood transfusion in our institution. Materials and Methods: This study was a 1-year retrospective analysis of the request for blood transfusion. Results: There were 1958 blood requests, consisting of 554 for males (28.3%) and 1404 for females (71.7%) with male:female ratio of 1:2.5. The obstetrics and gynecology department (52.3%) had the highest request for blood transfusion, while medicine had the least (9.3%). Whole blood was the most common form of blood product requested (87.3%) while only two (0.1%) request for plasma was made. The most common indication for blood transfusion was anemia (52.2%), followed by the need for blood transfusion during surgery (30.4%); however, exchange blood transfusion was the least with only 16 requests (0.8%). A total of 3766.4 pints of blood were requested during the study period; however, obstetrics and gynecology had the highest request of 2350 pints (62.4%) while pediatrics had the least request of 255.4 pints (6.8%). Over 90% of requested blood and blood products were dispatched. The months of August, September, and October recorded the highest need for blood transfusion whereas January and February recorded the least. Conclusion: The obstetrics and gynecology department had the highest request for blood transfusion; this demand was experienced mostly toward the last quarter of the year, and most requests were dispatched, and there was judicious utilization of blood donated.