Issn Print: 0265-0215

Publication Date: 2005/05/01


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Substantial donor red blood cell transfusion reduction by a combination of blood saving techniques: A-293

J. Lahaye; D. Hardeman; G. Woolthuis; G. de Wilde; C. Wijbenga; M. Goos; J. Bakker

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Background and Goal of Study: Until 1999 no special blood saving techniques were used in our 300 bed general hospital, apart from loco-regional anaesthesia techniques. Realising the risks of donor blood transfusions, a blood transfusion reduction programme was started.
Materials and Methods: Introduction of the following blood saving measures and techniques:
Results and Discussions: Both in overall hospital and in total hip and knee replacement surgery allogenic transfusion needs decreased considerably from the introduction of the first measures onward, despite increasing operation production figures (see Table). Particularly in total hip and knee replacements the effects are clear, changing from 2.0 units per patient in 1999 to 0.4 units in 2003.
Conclusion: Combination of blood management measures can induce a huge allogenic transfusion reduction.
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