Impact of the protocol of ABO group and irregular antibodies on the transfusional index

OBJECTIVES: The ABO group/irregular red cell antibodies (G/A) protocol is a scheme for reducing the number of unnecessary crossmatch tests in selected patients scheduled for surgery. Reduction would lower expenses and risks related to the overuse of such tests. Studying transfusion rates allows us to predict which patients are candidates for application of the protocol. The present study evaluated the impact of the G/A protocol on transfusion rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of pre-transfusion testing of patients in our hospital in 1996, before application of the G/A protocol, and in 2001, after four years of experience with the scheme. RESULTS: The G/A protocol was followed with 194 patients in 2001. The surgical transfusion rate decreased by 27.8% over the rate for 1996 (1.84 vs. 2.55). The outdating of blood units in 2001 decreased by 42.4% (65 units outdated vs. 113). Only one patient subject to the protocol had to be transfused. CONCLUSION: The transfusion rate can be significantly reduced by applying the G/A protocol with selected patients, with no loss of transfusion safety.