Pattern of Blood Products Consumption in a Teaching Hospital

Area of Science:

• Transfusion Medicine
• Hematology
• Public Health

Background:

• Blood transfusions are critical but face resource and utilization challenges in low- and middle-income countries.
• Nepal requires detailed analysis of blood use to guide resource allocation and policy.
• Understanding blood utilization patterns is essential for improving transfusion practices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the overall and component-specific use of blood products in Nepal.
• To explore temporal trends in the utilization of blood and blood products.
• To identify areas for improvement in blood transfusion management.

Main Methods:

• An observational study was conducted at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Nepal.
• Data from January 1st to December 31st, 2019, included patient demographics, blood groups, and blood product requests/transfusions.
• Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v20.

Main Results:

• TUTH accounted for the majority of blood product requests (25,716 units) compared to other centers (1855 units).
• Blood groups A positive (31.4%) and O positive (30.6%) were most requested. Whole blood (44.2%) and packed red blood cells (37.2%) were most frequently requested.
• Only 46% of requested blood products were transfused; demand peaked in December.

Conclusions:

• Whole blood and packed red blood cells are the most frequently requested products.
• Packed red cells were transfused more often than whole blood, despite higher whole blood requests.
• The findings highlight critical needs for improved blood transfusion management and utilization strategies in Nepal.