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Effectiveness of a protocol to improve transfusion practice in knee replacement surgery
H Boralessa1, H Boralessa, M Contreras
1National Blood Service-London & South East Zone, Brentwood Centre, Crescent Drive, Brentwood, Essex CM15 8DP, UK. hari.boralessa@nbs.nhs.uk
Background And Objectives:
The available guidelines on red cell transfusion are not clearly defined and therefore have had only a modest impact on transfusion practice. The aims of this study were to assess the rate of compliance with a transfusion algorithm and its effect on transfusion practice.
Materials And Methods:
A prospective observational study was carried out on 101 patients who underwent primary elective total knee replacement surgery.
Results:
Only 30% of the patients were transfused. An overall compliance rate of 77% was achieved with the transfusion algorithm.
Conclusion:
A transfusion algorithm, together with staff education, is effective in reducing both the number of patients transfused and inappropriate transfusions.