Abstract

Background: The appropriate use of blood and blood components remains a formidable challenge faced by clinicians particularly in a developing country like India. The inadequate supply of safe blood implies that measures aimed at ensuring judicious use of the available supply should be continually identified and explored.

Aims & Objectives: To study the indications and other factors related to component therapy.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to evaluate all blood and blood component transfusions over a period of nine year, from 2003 to 2010.

Results: A total of 100071 transfusion episodes were reviewed and analyzed. The commonest indication for use of blood/blood component was severe anaemia.

Conclusion: Enhanced capacity for component preparation, regular auditing of transfusion practices as well as improved communication between the clinicians and laboratory physicians will lead to more judicious use of blood component therapy.

Key words: Clinical Audit; Blood Components; Inappropriate Transfusion