Single Unit Transfusions in a Community Medical Center

Karen P. O'Connor; Debra Snowberger

doi:10.29074/ascls.28.3.167

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Karen P. O'Connor, MS,MLS(ASCP)SBB⇑
1. Washington College, Chestertown, MD
Debra Snowberger, MT(ASCP)
1. Anne Arundel Community College, Annapolis, MD

Address for Correspondence: Karen P. O'Connor, Toll S 125, Washington College, Chestertown, MD 21620

Abstract

Academic medical centers have implemented comprehensive patient blood management programs to reduce potential adverse transfusion effects. A retrospective study of single unit transfusions was conducted at a 319 bed community medical center to determine single unit transfusion practice patterns. Patient records of 535 single unit recipients were examined for gender, age and change in hemoglobin and hematocrit. Females (mean age 67) accounted for 64 % of recipients, with a mean increase in hemoglobin of 1.3 g/dL. Males (mean age 67) had a mean increase of 0.9 g/dL. An incidental finding was that laboratory assessment of hemoglobin was unavailable for 6% (pre transfusion) and 15% (post transfusion) of recipients. The proportion of single units transfused on a monthly basis ranged from 0.02% to 0.05%. No change toward increased use of single unit transfusion was identified. A formal patient blood management program is recommended as a next step in providing appropriate transfusion therapy.