title: A cross-matching policy for fractures of the proximal third of the femur.
abstract: Cross-matching and transfusion policies for patients with a fracture of the proximal third of the femur are poorly formulated. A series of 90 patients who underwent operation for such fractures at a district general hospital were evaluated. Unnecessary cross-matching was most frequent in intracapsular fractures, and discrepancies in indications for postoperative transfusions were demonstrated. If postoperative transfusion is indicated for haemoglobin levels of less than 9 g/dl, we recommend routine preoperative cross-matching only for patients admitted with trochanteric fractures and haemoglobin levels between 10 and 12 g/dl. This practice is safe and is a potential area for savings in cost and resources.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedic Department, Northampton General Hospital, UK.
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Kurdy
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hokan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001788:Blood Grouping and Crossmatching; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006620:Hip Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins