Blood Loss Estimation Using Gauze Visual Analogue.
BACKGROUND
Estimating intraoperative blood loss can be a difficult task, especially when blood is mostly absorbed by gauze. In this study, we have provided an improved method for estimating blood absorbed by gauze.


OBJECTIVE
To develop a guide to estimate blood absorbed by surgical gauze.


METHODS
A clinical experiment was conducted using aspirated blood and common surgical gauze to create a realistic amount of absorbed blood in the gauze. Different percentages of staining were photographed to create an analogue for the amount of blood absorbed by the gauze.


RESULTS
A visual analogue scale was created to aid the estimation of blood absorbed by the gauze. The absorptive capacity of different gauze sizes was determined when the gauze was dripping with blood. The amount of reduction in absorption was also determined when the gauze was wetted with normal saline before use.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of a visual analogue may increase the accuracy of blood loss estimation and decrease the consequences related to over or underestimation of blood loss.
Saudi Board Resident of Plastic Surgery, King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Emran
E
Ali Algadiem
Saudi Board of General Surgery, Consultant General Surgery, King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulmohsen Ali
AA
Aleisa
Family Medicine Resident, King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Huda Ibrahim
HI
Alsubaie
Saudi Board Resident of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity and Children Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Noora Radhi
NR
Buhlaiqah
Primary Health Care Resident, Alahssa, Saudi Arabia.
Jihad Bagir
JB
Algadeeb
Associate Degree in Health Science, Laboratory Technician, King Fahad Hospital, Hofuf, Saudi Arabia.
Hussain Ali
HA
Alsneini
Absorption; Blood Loss; Surgical, Estimation Techniques