Optimizing Blood Management: A Comprehensive Study on Blood Transfusion Practices and Wastage Reduction Strategies at Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Blood transfusion is a vital medical intervention used to treat various conditions worldwide. However, many healthcare facilities, including tertiary care hospitals, face challenges in managing blood supplies efficiently, resulting in significant wastage. This study focuses on evaluating blood wastage at a tertiary care hospital's blood bank and identifying the factors contributing to this issue. Objective: The study aimed to assess the extent and reasons for the wastage of whole blood and its components at a tertiary care hospital's blood bank and propose strategies for improvement. Methods: Conducted at the Institute of Medical Lab Technology, Isra University Islamabad, this cross-sectional study employed retrospective data collection from September 30th to December 31st, 2023. A sample of 14,261 blood donations was analyzed using SPSS Version 25 to identify donation patterns, donor demographics, blood group distribution, virus screening outcomes, and discard reasons. The study adhered to ethical standards per the Declaration of Helsinki, with informed consent obtained from all participants. Results: Out of 14,261 donations, 613 units (4.29%) were discarded. Male donors comprised 99.52% of the sample, with the 26-35 age group contributing 41.83% of donations. Blood group B (Positive) accounted for 31.56% of donations. Common discard reasons included low volume (2.17%) and lipemic samples (0.74%). Conclusion: The study highlighted significant gender disparities and identified key factors contributing to blood wastage. Implementing targeted strategies to enhance donor recruitment and improve blood management practices can optimize resource utilization and enhance patient care.