Analysis of reasons of Discards of Blood and Blood Products in aTertiary Care Hospital

Background:The demand of blood and blood components outspace its supply. The wastage of this precious unit can be reduced with more efficient utilization of blood.Self-audit of blood bank of discard rate of blood and blood components is needed to minimize wastage.Aims:present study aims at finding reasons for discarding blood and blood components and develop plans minimize wastage of blood.Materials and methods:The present retrospective study of blood bank is carried over a period of 1 year in tertiary care hospital.Data about discarded blood units were taken from discard and autoclave register which include analysis of all factors responsible for discarding blood and blood components.The discard rate was then calculated using appropriate formula.Results:In the study period out of 4379 whole blood units 250 whole blood were discarded which accounts for the discard rate of 5.7%.Seropositivity due to transfusion transmitted (TTI) infections was the main reason for discarding these units account for 57.6%.The total number of components prepared during the study period was 7784; and out of these 1489 were discarded accounting for 19.1% discard rate.Amongst components the highest discard rate was for platelets (54.67%) Conclusion:From our study it was found the discard rate of blood is higher in our institute. It is important to implement blood transfusion policies strictly to minimize wastage of blood. Hospital Transfusion Committee should monitor the rational use of blood components to reduce discard rate.