Center error reduction by recheck of blood type

Our computer system currently stores donor blood types for seven years and checks typing of all repeat donors against these files. In a recent three-month period (42,500 units), five discrepancies were found--two representing current error. Retrospective analysis of 18 errors made over the last three years showed that 11, or 58 per cent would have been caught by this system. Eight of these latter errors were in Du-typing, and three were ABO errors. These errors lead to patient problems only if the receiving hospital releases the blood in an emergency without retesting. Even were this to happen, significant untoward reactions would be infrequent. The costs of error reduction must be carefully examined. Systems to reduce errors further may be warranted only if hospitals are not longer required to retest blood.