Arranging blood for elective thyroid surgeries: dilemma continues in the developing world

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Surgical Patient Blood Management
• Healthcare Resource Optimization

Background:

• Cross matched blood is often ordered based on anticipated blood loss, leading to overuse.
• Excessive blood ordering strains blood banks, increases costs, and wastes a limited resource.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the current practice of ordering cross matched blood for elective thyroid surgeries.
• To compare the cross match to blood transfused ratio in these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for patients undergoing thyroid surgery (January 2009 - December 2014).
• Analysis of blood units arranged versus transfused.
• Calculation of the cross match to transfusion ratio.

Main Results:

• 91 patients (18 male, 73 female) were included.
• 107 units of blood were arranged, with only 9 units transfused.
• The cross match to transfusion ratio was 11.88.

Conclusions:

• Routine cross matched blood arrangement is not indicated for elective thyroid surgeries.
• Institutions should implement maximum blood ordering schedules for elective procedures.
• This approach will prevent unnecessary cross matching and improve resource utilization.