[Estimating the microcosts of blood transfusion for hemato-oncological patients]

There are several ways of treating and preventing chemotherapy-associated anaemia, namely with erythropoiesis stimulating agents and blood transfusion, that remains an option. Since erythropoiesis stimulating agents have a high unitary cost, it is crucial to evaluate their cost-effectiveness, namely versus transfusion. The objective of this study is to calculate the cost of a blood transfusion, carried out at the Immunohemotherapy Outward of Instituto Português de Oncologia, Francisco Gentil, in Lisbon as treatment for neoplasia-associated anaemia.

Cross sectional, observational study from the perspective of the Hospital and the National Health Service, which evaluates the resources and direct costs, associated with a blood transfusion of two erythrocyte concentrate (EC) units in hemato-oncology patients. Data regarding consumables, human resources, laboratory analysis and occupation of facilities was collected for a period of seven consecutive days, regarding both blood donation and transfusion procedures in the Immunohemotherapy Outward of Instituto Português de Oncologia, Francisco Gentil, in Lisbon.

The total cost of a two EC unit transfusion was estimated at euro 676.2, with the greatest part of this cost being attributed to blood preparation, analysis and storage.

Determining reliable costs in relation to medical actions and procedures is essential in analysing the cost-effectiveness of new drugs. This study evaluated the cost for the transfusion of two EC units and the results presented are similar to those obtained in other European countries by several authors.