Pattern of utilization of blood and blood components in a teaching hospital

Abstract

Background: Blood is the most precious and unique gift that one human being can give to another human being. The blood transfusion service is the very vital component of healthcare services. Till date we are not able to prepare whole blood artificially and no effective substitute is invented, so blood donor is very precious. The primary responsibility of blood transfusion services is to provide safe, sufficient and timely supply of blood and blood products. The component separation has maximized the utility of one whole blood unit. The emphasis has shifted from the use of whole blood to component therapy, as blood is a scarce and precious resource. Aim and Objectives: To study Pattern of utilization of blood and blood components in a teaching hospital with the indications for transfusions for different components during the study period. Material and Methods: This observational descriptive study for 18 months (July 2014- December2015) on pattern of utilization of blood and blood components was carried out in the Blood Bank of Department of Pathology in a Krishna Institute of Medical College and Research centre, Karad. Results: There were total 10358 transfusions which were carried out during the study period of 18 months. Whole blood and component utilization was calculated in all these transfusions. Conclusion: It is important for the blood bank to be able to fulfill the demands for this life-saving product and at the same time, evaluate and assess the existing trends of blood ordering. Hence, periodic review and audit of blood component usage is essential to assess the blood utilization pattern in any hospital.