An Evolution in Blood Management - Case Study Example

In case of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction due to ABO incompatibility is specifically identified as “a reviewable sentinel event for which a comprehensive analysis of cause, corrective action, preventive action” (2013) and reporting are required. Successful performances of these require the involvement of medical staff and practice guidelines for ordering blood transfusion.

The late 1970s showed an increasing demand for blood and its products with rising cost and transfusion-associated morbidity, thereby reviewing blood ordering and transfusion practices and these studies showed gross over-ordering of blood much in excess of anticipated needs. Surplus units of blood ordered by surgeons are not properly utilized resulting in the loss of shelf-life and wastage of blood. Eg: “In South Africa, 7-10% of blood is wasted annually because of over-ordering of blood” (Cable et al. 2002). “Blood ordering is a common practice in the surgical field” (Pediatric Preoperative Blood Ordering: When is a Type and Screen or Crossmatch Really Needed? 2014) where the average requirement for a particular procedure is usually based on subjective blood loss rather than on evidence-based estimates.

Over ordering with minimal utilization squanders technical time and impose extra expenses on patients.” Excessive cross-matching with minimal transfusion practice was observed in elective surgical patients”. The blood ordering pattern for elective procedures needs to be revised and over-ordering should be avoided. The hospitals with a blood transfusion committee should forcefully formulate maximum surgical blood ordering policies for elective surgical procedures and also follow up regular auditing.

Blood management has also helped those refusing blood products for religious or other reasons. This has revolutionized and broadened the scope of clinical applications which involves “the functions of blood utilization, practice variability and optimal use of blood products” (Deborah et al. 2013).