Reducing Blood Loss by Changing to Small Volume Tubes for Laboratory Testing

Area of Science:

• Clinical Pathology
• Patient Safety
• Hospital Administration

Background:

• Diagnostic blood loss from routine laboratory testing contributes to hospital-acquired anemia.
• Minimizing blood draw volumes is crucial for patient well-being, especially in vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of small volume tubes on diagnostic blood loss.
• To assess changes in hemoglobin levels and blood transfusion rates following the intervention.

Main Methods:

• A pre-intervention, during intervention, and post-intervention study design was employed.
• Diagnostic blood loss was measured per patient across different hospital units and test types.
• Hemoglobin levels, transfusion rates, and redraw percentages were compared.

Main Results:

• Overall diagnostic blood loss decreased by 25.7%, with a 22.9% reduction in transplant and critical care (T/CC) units.
• Blood transfusions significantly decreased across all units, with the greatest reduction in T/CC units.
• Increased mean hemoglobin levels were observed in T/CC unit patients, with no significant change in redraw rates.

Conclusions:

• Small volume tubes effectively reduce diagnostic blood loss and the need for blood transfusions.
• The intervention shows particular benefit for patients in T/CC units, improving hemoglobin levels.
• This strategy enhances patient safety by mitigating risks associated with iatrogenic anemia.