Zeroing in on red cell unit expiry due to age

Abstract

National Blood Authority identifies age related expiry of red cell units as a significant contributor to wastage of precious voluntary donations. Policy changes to reduce age related wastage can result in significant cost savings and improved inventory management. Aim To evaluate effectiveness of policy (pilot National Inventory Management Framework report) changes to achieve zero wastage of red cell units expiring due to age. Methods Retrospective analysis of age related red cell wastage in Hunter New England Health Service during 12 months preceding and after policy changes implemented since November 2013. Results 1. Inventory levels for red cells decreased by 30.1%. 2. Policy involving age limit (16–28 days) for accepting red cells resulted in 0–2.5% of total red cells received in the main laboratory from peripheral hospitals being older than 28 days, compared to 6–41% previously. 3. Policy changes resulted in zero wastage due to age over last 12 months, while age contributed to 17.8–69.4% of total wastage previously. Total red cell transfusions remained constant. 4. There was no increase in use of emergency couriers. Discussion Key factors for significant reduction in age related wastage were reduction in inventory levels, stock rearrangement and regulations for returning blood products from peripheral hospitals.