Blood Transfusion Practice in District Hospitals

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine whether the key elements of prepared guidelines for the transfusion of blood. blood components and blood substitutes were being practised. Blood transfused in three district hospiw.ls were prospectively followed. information on age. sex, full diagnosis. pre and post transfusion haemoglobin and volume of blood given was obtained. Using the guidelines, the following were determined; the justification for the transfusion. adequacy of blood given. whether the transfusion was evaluated and the extent of rise of the haemoglobin. There were 486 transfused patients of whom 155 were adults. 303 children and equal representation of sexes: ages were not stated in 28. Provisional cause of the Anaemia was stated in 176 patients. Transfusion was justified in 71 %. Pre transfusion estimate of blood given was correct in 35.6%. Rise in haemoglobin was satisfactory in 26% of patients. The transfusion was not evaluated in a third of the patients. It is concluded that there is poor compliance of the transfusion guidelines.