Abstract

Background: This study was conducted in the blood centre at MMDU, Mullana. The aim of study was to calculate the discard rate during the study period and finding out the reasons responsible for them in order to provide suggestions for further improvisation in blood transfusion techniques.

Design: Study was carried out over a period of 6 months i.e. August, 2019 to January, 2020. The conducted study was retroprospective. Data for study period was collected from the blood centre records. The testing protocol was followed in the blood centre in accordance to NABH guidelines.

Result: During the study period of 6 months, a total of 4311 units were collected, which were later subjected to component preparation. Out of the components prepared, 4114 units were issued and 643 were discarded due to various reasons, resulting in discard rate of 15.62%. Outdating was the leading cause of wastage, followed by seropositivity. Platelet concentrates and PRBC’s were the most discarded components, respectively.

Conclusion: A closer look on the handling and usage of blood and its components would aid in focusing the various causes of blood wastage. Additionally, it would help in planning reformative measures to minimize blood wastage in future, as well as spreading awareness of the same. Simple and economical methods of improvement such as staff education, improved handling and transportation of blood units can have a tremendous influence in reduction of blood wastage as it always was, and for the foreseeable future, will be an issue for blood centres.

Keywords: Blood; Blood components; Transfusion medicine, Discard rate; Quality indicator