Abstract
Introduction Surgeons request cross-match based on habit not evidence. The spinal unit requested 686 units of blood during 2002–2003 and transfused only 42 for elective lumbar spine surgery. This wastes money, time and blood.
Aim Optimise the transfusion requests in elective lumbar spinal surgery by creating evidence based guidelines.
Methods The data on elective operations performed on the lumbar spine during the period June 2002 to June 2003 was collected from the spinal unit database and cross-referenced with the records of blood transfusion. Cross-match: Transfusion ratios (C:T Ratio) and Transfusion Index (TI) for common procedures were calculated. Based on these results, a Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS) was created and prospectively audited for six months.
Conclusion Eighty units were cross-matched during the prospective audit. Therefore, in one year one hundred and sixty units would be requested. This represents a reduction of over five hundred units.
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