Successful implementation of Maximum Surgical Blood Order Schedule

A Maximum Surgical Blood Order Schedule (MSBOS) is a schedule of commonly performed elective surgical procedures listing the maximum number of units of blood to be crossmatched preoperatively. A MSBOS reduces the preoperative crossmatching of blood in surgical cases in which there is less likelihood of blood transfusion. The reduction in crossmatched units of blood saves hospital time and money. This study presents the steps required to institute a MSBOS. Savings in reduced crossmatch charges were calculated. After a review of 1400 operations, a MSBOS listing 35 operative procedures was established at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. Staff compliance was greater than 99%, crossmatch to transfusion ratio was reduced from 5:1 to 2:1, and our annual savings was greater than $110,000 in reduced crossmatch charges.