CT ratios, plus RBC, FFP and platelet expiration and wastage rates

In one report of 3 separate studies (Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Vol. 126, No. 2, pp. 150-156), participants in the College of American Pathologists Q-Probes laboratory quality improvement program collected data retrospectively on the number of transfusion crossmatches performed in their institutions and the number of RBC-containing units that were transfused into patients, the number of units that expired (outdated) prior to being utilized, and the number that were wasted due to mishandling. Hospital blood bank personnel were shown capable of achieving CT ratios below 2.0, RBC unit expiration rates below 1.0%, and RBC unit wastage rates below 0.5%. Lower CT ratios and/or RBC unit expiration rates were associated with blood bank personnel setting CT thresholds of 2.0 or less, monitoring requests for blood components by transfusion indication criteria, monitoring categories of health care workers responsible for blood wastage, not accepting short dated units from blood distribution centers, and if short dated units were accepted, being allowed to return those units to the blood distribution center. These practices were not associated with lower blood wastage rates.

In a second report of 3 separate studies, [Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Vol. 126, No. 5, pp. 527-532] participants in the College of American Pathologists Q-Probes laboratory quality improvement program collected data retrospectively on the numbers of units of FFP and platelets that expired (outdated) prior to being used and that were wasted. The report showed that the rates of FFP and platelet expiration and wastage varied greatly among hospitals in the United States. However, many hospital blood bank personnel were capable of achieving FFP and platelet expiration and wastage rates below 1%.

For more information about the CAP Q-Probes Laboratory Quality Improvement Programs click HERE.