R Abbasivash [1] , MD MM Aghdashi [2] , MD E Hassani [3] , MD M Shirvani [4] , MD

 

  Received: 18 Feb, 2009 Accepted: 1 Sep, 2009

  Abstract

 Background & Aims: Frequently, blood units ordered and cross-matched for elective surgeries are not used. This study was designed to evaluate the current practice of blood ordering for elective surgeries in Imam and Motahari Hospitals in Urmia.

 Materials & Methods: In this cross sectional study, 895 patients underwent 29 different kinds of surgery during three months. The overall cross-mach to transfusion ratio, transfusion probability, and transfusion index were calculated. The same indices were calculated for each kind of surgery separately.

 Results: For 895 patients undergoing elective surgery, 1732 cross-matched blood units were ordered. Furthermore, 222 blood units out of 1732 were utilized for 144 patients in operation rooms. Overall cross-match to transfusion ratio and transfusion index was 7.8, and 0.25, respectively. With the exception of gastrectomy and debridement of thermal induced wounds, in remaining surgeries cross-match to transfusion ratio was significantly higher than acceptable value of 2.5. Highest transfusion indices were related to gastrectomy, esophagectomy and open reduction of leg fractures.

 Conclusion: The current practice of blood ordering for elective operations leads to significant deviation from standard values. Observance of scientific principles of blood ordering can lead to a decrease in unnecessary blood ordering, working pressure on blood bank, and wastage of blood units. It seems that the current pattern of preoperative blood ordering should be seriously reevaluated.

 Keywords: Transfusion, Cross- match, Elective operation

 

 Address: Department of Anesthesiology, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia, Iran.

 Tel: (+98441)3459538

 

 E-mail: aghdashi@umsu.ac.ir

 

  Source: UMJ 2010: 20(4): 337 ISSN: 1027-3727

  [1] . Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

  [2] . Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran (Corresponding Author)

  [3] Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran

  [4] Anesthesiologist, Shahid Arefian Hospital, Urmia, Iran