Epidemiology of single-unit transfusion. A one-year experience in a community hospital.
The transfusion practices of an 850-bed community hospital are reviewed from Jan 1, 1962, through Jan 1, 1963. Twenty-nine percent (855 of 2,921) transfused patients received a single unit of whole blood or packed red blood cells. Eighty-two percent of single-unit transfusions were given to women, and 93% were related to surgical or obstetric situations. In patients undergoing common operative procedures, 62% had normal vital signs and hematocrit readings before transfusion. Sixty-seven percent of all patients had normal hematocrit readings prior to transfusion. One third of the single-unit transfusions were considered justified, and two thirds were regarded as questionable or unnecessary.
Reece
R L
RL
Department of Pathology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Conn., USA.
Beckett
R S
RS
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001803:Blood Transfusion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006764:Hospitals, Community / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D019564:Unnecessary Procedures / Q000706:statistics & numerical data