The use of Q-Probes in modifying transfusion practice

Interinstitutional comparison is a powerful tool to examine quality issues in transfusion medicine. The large and varied database comprised by participants in the College of American Pathologists' (Northfield, Ill) Q-Probes program facilitates peer comparison and allows for extensive categorization of practices. Measurements of autologous blood transfusion practices in 1990, and again in 1992, in two autologous blood transfusion Q-Probes studies revealed reductions in unwarranted collections of autologous blood for surgical procedures with low requirements for blood replacement and in unwarranted transfusions of available autologous units. These changes followed recommendations for improvement by the Q-Probes' authors. The effects of forces from outside hospitals on transfusion practice were revealed in the 1992 study in the higher autologous blood discard rates in those US states that require an explanation of transfusion options to patients prior to elective surgery.