Monitoring and reporting transfusion reactions as a quality indicator - a clinical audit

This audit was conducted as a part of a quality assurance activity to assess the frequency of receiving completely filled out blood transfusion reaction forms which were accompanied by the required samples. Once this information is known, we will elevate the bar each year to achieve 100% compliance. The sub-aim was to evaluate the frequency of the reported transfusion reactions.

The study was conducted from 1st April 2010 to 30th April 2011. The information was evaluated and the frequency of receiving completely filled blood transfusion reaction forms was assessed. The variables identified were the type of transfusion reaction, the blood component transfused, the health care personnel filling the form, and whether there was legible handwriting and a completely filled form. Transfusion reactions were reported as a percentage of the total number of units transfused.

During the study period, 17,880 packed red cells, 13,200 platelets, 13,620 fresh frozen plasma and 2256 cryoprecipitate were transfused and 106 transfusion reactions (0.23%) were reported. Of these, febrile non hemolytic transfusion reaction was the most common (47%), the majority caused by packed red cells.

Eighty-four percent of the transfusion reaction forms were completely filled as per our criteria. Febrile non hemolytic transfusion reactions were the most common reactions reported.