Do we meet up with the standard blood demand, usage, and availability levels in State Specialist Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria?

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the extent of blood usage during blood transfusion procedures with evaluation of blood transfusion prescription practices in view of optimal and efficient utilization of blood transfusion services (BTSs). Materials and Methods: We prospectively analyzed all the blood orders between May 2015 and April 2017 from the Blood Bank of Hematology Laboratory in State Specialist Hospital, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. The indices used were in compliance with the international blood transfusion clinical practice guidelines. Results: Out of 1536 blood units ordered and crossmatched in this study, 62.57% units were transfused to patients and 37.43% were not transfused. This indicates judicious blood usage during transfusion procedure to saving lives. The overall blood transfusion indices for crossmatch-to-transfusion ratio (C/T), transfusion probability (%T), and transfusion index (TI) were 1.60, 62.57, and 1.00, respectively. This implied that blood at the point of utilization within the hospital, enjoyed a favorable status of blood prescription practice compare to the standard reference values (that is, C/T ratio ≤2.5, %T ≥30, and TI ≥0.5) in most of the departments under study. Departments such as Obstetrics and Gynecology (CT = 2.45, %T = 25.45, TI = 0.41) and General Theater (C/T = 3.8, %T = 16.44, TI = 0.26) exhibited inappropriate order of excessive crossmatched blood by junior medical officers which may be subsequently canceled by senior colleagues on later review of the patients were common. Conclusion: This study showed a reliable and efficient clinical practice in the management of BTSs from the point of order to the point of need which amount to a more appropriate, prudent, and conserved utilization of blood products, resources, and services.