The accuracy of blood loss estimation after simulated vaginal delivery.
BACKGROUND
Visual blood loss estimation often underestimates blood loss. In this study we sought to determine the effect of calibrated drape markings on blood loss estimation in a simulated vaginal delivery.


METHODS
Subjects were randomized to estimate simulated blood loss (300, 500, 1000, and 2000 mL) in calibrated or noncalibrated vaginal delivery drapes and then crossover.


RESULTS
Visual blood loss estimation with noncalibrated drapes underestimated blood loss, with worsening accuracy at larger volumes (16% error at 300 mL to 41% at 2000 mL). The calibrated drape error was <15% at all volumes.


CONCLUSIONS
Calibrated vaginal delivery drapes improve blood loss estimation.
Toledo
Paloma
P
Department of Anesthesiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
McCarthy
Robert J
RJ
Hewlett
Bradley J
BJ
Fitzgerald
Paul C
PC
Wong
Cynthia A
CA
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis*; D013523:Surgical Equipment