Excessive use of preoperative blood type and antibody screening: A retrospective observational study conducted in a hospital in Norway

• DOI: 10.1111/aas.14493
• Publication Date: 2024-07-09T22:05:00Z
• Authors: Pål Christian Wol...; Kjetil Gorseth Ri...; Aurora Espinosa; Espen Lindholm
• Keywords: Elective surgery; Blood type (non-human); Surgical procedures

Abstract Introduction This study aimed to identify the blood transfusion rates for several surgical procedures in a single district general hospital and assess value of preoperative type antibody screen across all relevant procedures. We hypothesized that there was an overuse our population. Methods A database containing transfusions patients who underwent elective‐ or emergency surgery from January 2015 September 2020 matched type‐and‐screen performed same period. Registered where incidence is deemed low were excluded. The included assessed intraoperative usefulness type‐ and‐screen testing. Results In 68.892 surgeries, 36.134 (52.0%) samples preoperatively tested screened antibodies according hospital's routine. Overall 3.517 (5.1%) surgeries had received perioperative period 1.2% ( n = 850) during surgery. Conclusion Most very transfusion. Despite this, tests widely used. suggests need more focused pre‐surgery approach, data driven approach local guidelines collaboration with specialties.