Blood component utilization in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: Experience from a dedicated COVID-19 center

Blood transfusion services were seriously affected during COVID-19 not only due to limited availability of blood components but also due to gap in the clinical knowledge about the need for transfusion in COVID-19 patients. However, understanding the transfusion needs is essential for inventory management. We analyzed the utilization of blood components in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and recorded the outcome of the patients who were transfused.

The study included all COVID-19 patients who underwent transfusions over a time period. Patient details included demographics, clinical condition, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and outcome. Details of transfusion were collected from the blood bank and patient records.

Of 3052 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, 395 (12.9%) were transfused blood components and were included in the study. Comorbidities were identified in 85% of these patients. Red blood cell (RBC) was transfused in 348 (11.4%) with a mean of 2.3 units/patient. Similarly, platelets and fresh frozen plasma were transfused in 3.3% of patients (mean 6.2 units) and 3% (mean 4.9 units), respectively. Transfusion triggers were largely restrictive in nature. Patients with haemato-oncologic conditions required significantly higher numbers of RBCs and random donor platelets. RBCs transfusion were also higher in patients requiring intensive care unit care and ventilatory support. Blood components usage was not affected by severity of COVID-19 disease, comorbidity index, or coagulopathy.

Blood utilization in COVID-19 patients is typically low. Blood components were mainly required by patients with preexisting comorbidities, or those requiring critical care. RBCs were the predominant blood component transfused. Coagulopathy associated with COVID-19 did not necessitate transfusion.