Use of O RhD‐negative red blood cells: A nationwide, prospective audit

• DOI: 10.1111/vox.13357
• Publication Date: 2022-09-14T09:24:36Z
• Authors: Minna Ilmakunnas; Katja Salmela; Tiia Kivipuro; Hannele Sareneva; Susanna Sainio
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; Erythrocytes; 0302 clinical medicine; Erythrocyte Count; Humans; Blood Banks; Female; Blood Transfusion; Erythrocyte Transfusion; 3. Good health

Despite declining transfusion rates, overuse of O RhD-negative red blood cells (RBCs) risks the secure supply this limited resource. A nationwide prospective audit was performed in Finland to understand clinical use and inventory management units. Our aim identify areas where policy changes could help alleviate shortage RBCs.The every unit during a period 1 month reviewed. For each issued (n = 1105), age, urgency transfusion, hospital patient demographics, specific reasons for issuing units were recorded.Almost half 529, 47.9%) non-O patients. Only 22.3% 118) females under age 50. Of ABO-nonidentical one-third (32.5%, n 172) emergency two-thirds (67.5%, 357) non-urgent transfusions. The most common reason an 172, 48.2% transfusion). Most these close expiry date.This revealed that significant proportion RBCs are used inappropriately. Clinicians should be educated on appropriate RBCs, banks develop strategies avoid purely prevent outdating.