Abstract

BLOOD TRANSFUSION ERRORS, COULD BE ERADICATED? IMPROVING TRANSFUSION SAFETY; A CASE REPORT

Mohammed A. Al-shuhoumi, Said Al-Sawafi, Bader Al-Sawafi, Dr. Badryia Al-Alawi

Abstract

Background: Blood bank stands as one of the essential sections of every hospital. Its significance emerged once blood products become crucial lifesaving treatment. Errors are a ubiquitous accompaniment in all humans involvement. Despite the advanced techniques used in blood testing and issuing, transfusion errors still existed. Nearly 200 units of red blood cell units and other blood components are being issued every month at Ibri Regional Hospital Lab. An old practice was carried on that allows nurses to go inside the lab to get the blood units, where blood issuing services was an attached unit with blood bank crossmatching, and other essential testing procedures on the same working bench. Therefore it comes essential to establish something that creates more safe and confusion free transfusion process. Study design and methods: Four tools have been utilized; Spaghetti diagram, 5S Audit, 8 types of waste, and a survey. The first three tools provided a holistic view of the current lab deficiencies so problems can be, detected, traced, and solved. The Survey circulated to test the degree of satisfaction among lab and nursing staff. Result: After the goals of the initiation are being fulfilled, blood bank issuing services now are physically separated near the lab’s reception without going inside the lab and with that its allow a sustainable plan. This allows a rapid and confusionfree issuing process, biohazard related contact of external staff is reduced to the minimum, more spaces are spared and hence lab can upgrade and expand services. Conclusion: Our evidence emphasizes the importance of continuous development, operational training, compliance to instructions of all health care workers in the complex pathway of blood delivery, and the attempt to create a safe environment even with the limited resources despite the advanced technologies that are meant to streamline transfusion practices.

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