Transfusion
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Comparative Study
Preoperative screening and intervention for mild anemia with low iron stores in elective hip and knee arthroplasty.
Preoperative anemia in patients undergoing elective hip and knee arthroplasty is associated with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, and length of stay (LOS). The aim of this study was to assess the effect of optimizing hemoglobin (Hb) levels before elective primary hip and knee arthroplasty. ⋯ Algorithm-led preoperative anemia screening and management in elective arthroplasty was associated with reduced RBC transfusion, readmission, critical care admission, LOS, and costs.
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Expiry of red blood cell (RBC) units is a significant contributor to wastage of precious voluntary donations. Effective strategies aimed at optimal resource utilization are required to minimize wastage. ⋯ Age-related expiry of blood products is preventable and can be significantly reduced by improving practices in the pathology service. This study provides proof of principle for "zero tolerance for RBC unit expiry" across a large networked blood banking service.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effects of storage of red blood cells on the development of postoperative infections after noncardiac surgery.
Prolonged storage of red blood cells (RBCs) is a potential risk factor for postoperative infections. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of age of RBCs transfused on development of postoperative infection. ⋯ Prolonged RBC storage time did not increase the risk of postoperative infection. However, old blood transfusion increased wound infections rate and incidence of AKI.
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The objective was to identify risk factors associated with blood transfusion in patients undergoing high-order Cesarean delivery (CD). ⋯ In patients undergoing a third or more CD, only placenta previa, prophylactic anticoagulation during pregnancy, and having labored are independently associated with requiring a blood transfusion. These data can be used to guide physician ordering of prepared blood products preoperatively.
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The objective was to report a successful implementation of a blood cooler insert and tracking technology with educational initiatives and its effect on reducing red blood cell (RBC) wastage. ⋯ The implementation of new blood cooler inserts, tracking system, and educational initiatives substantially reduced the mean annual total RBC wastage. The cost to implement this initiative may be small if there is an existing institutional infrastructure to monitor and track hospital equipment into which the blood bank intervention can be adapted when compared to the cost of blood wastage.