Evaluating the Crossmatch-to-Transfusion Ratio as a Tool for Analyzing and Optimizing Blood Bank Resource...

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Blood transfusion services are vital for various medical treatments, including surgery, chronic illness, and cancer care.
• Optimizing blood bank resource utilization is essential due to increasing demand for blood products in India.
• The crossmatch-to-transfusion (C/T) ratio serves as a key indicator for assessing blood ordering practices and resource efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the crossmatch-to-transfusion (C/T) ratio as a tool for optimizing blood bank resource utilization.
• To identify inefficiencies in blood ordering practices across different clinical departments.
• To provide data for planning corrective actions to improve blood utilization.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective observational study was conducted over three months (November 2023 - January 2024).
• Data were collected from crossmatch request forms, registers, issue registers, and digital medical records.
• The C/T ratio was calculated overall and department-wise to identify high-ratio departments.

Main Results:

• A total of 1,861 packed red blood cell (RBC) units were crossmatched, with 797 units issued, resulting in an overall hospital C/T ratio of 2.33.
• The highest C/T ratios were observed in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (5.14), Oncology (3.09), and Urology (2.9).
• High C/T ratios indicate significant overordering and underutilization of crossmatched blood units.

Conclusions:

• The hospital's C/T ratio exceeded international standards, particularly in surgical departments, highlighting overordering.
• There is a clear need to optimize blood ordering practices to reduce unnecessary crossmatches and minimize wastage.
• Implementing targeted strategies and regular audits can enhance blood transfusion services and ensure efficient blood product utilization.