This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
The available shelf life of a unit of red cells decreases each time the red cell unit is held or crossmatched for a patient who does not use it.
When more blood is crossmatched and set aside for a patient than is required, it is unavailable for other patients and increases the chance that the blood will expire before it is used.
Providing guidelines such as a policy to use 'group and hold' wherever possible, a maximum blood order schedule (MBOS) and monitoring crossmatch-to-transfusion (C/T) ratios is helpful in preventing blood expiring unnecessarily.
The MBOS defines the number of units required to meet the needs of 80% to 90% of patients undergoing a specific procedure and assists in ordering blood.
The hospital transfusion laboratory, however, must give special consideration to patients with a positive antibody screen.
The ANZSBT guidelines contain a suggested maximum blood order schedule.(1) However, institutions should also take into consideration their own particular circumstances, including patient demographics (which may have special requirements) and local surgical practice and experience.
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.