Optimizing O-negative RBC utilization using a data-driven approach.

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Blood Banking Operations
• Healthcare Resource Management

Background:

• O-negative red blood cells (ON-RBC) are a critical resource facing concerns over inappropriate use.
• Hospital blood banks require internal strategies beyond donor recruitment and universal typing.
• Optimizing inventory and policies is key for appropriate ON-RBC utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce inappropriate transfusions of O-negative red blood cells (ON-RBC).
• To optimize blood bank inventory management for ON-RBCs.
• To assess the impact of inventory reduction on transfusion timing and appropriateness.

Main Methods:

• Analyzed one year of transfusion data for out-of-group/inappropriate ON-RBC rates.
• Assessed the relationship between transfusion rate and product age (days from expiration).
• Examined stock inventory levels and their contribution to inappropriate ON-RBC usage.

Main Results:

• Decreased ON-RBC inventory reduced inappropriate transfusions from 67% to 54% (p=0.0035).
• Transfusions occurred earlier in shelf-life (9.27 vs. 11.15 days DFE, p=0.0012).
• Approximately 185 units of ON-RBC were saved over six months.

Conclusions:

• A data-driven inventory optimization strategy effectively reduces inappropriate ON-RBC transfusions.
• This approach improves resource utilization and conserves precious blood products.
• The methodology is applicable to other institutions and can set a benchmark for blood banking.