Transfusion medicine in India: a survey of current practice

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" Seventy-four per cent of adult transfusions were inappropriate when assessed

against criteria derived from government transfusion guidelines " is a matter of

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Transfusion Medicine: Volume 13 Issue 1 Page 17 - January 2003

Transfusion medicine in India: a survey of current practice

T. J. Bray* P. Salil H. A. Weiss* and J. D. H. Porter*

Summary. The new Indian National Blood Policy intends to improve the

provision of easily accessible safe blood and blood components,

available according to need. There is a requirement for information

on patterns of blood transfusion in India, to help understand the

potential for changes in transfusion practice and the organization of

blood services, and to help ensure optimal use of this valuable and

limited human resource.

This study involved a questionnaire survey of blood transfusion

practice with reference to Indian National AIDS Control Organisation

clinical guidelines at selected blood centres in four study areas

(Delhi, Bangalore, Nasik District and Imphal). Information on 1062

transfusion episodes was analysed. Adult recipients accounted for 87%

of transfusions, and amongst the age group of 25-34, 73% of

transfusions were to women. Anaemia was listed as a reason for 60% of

transfusions, surgery for 42%, acute haemorrhage for 26% and

pregnancy for 16%.

Seventy-four per cent of adult transfusions were inappropriate when

assessed against criteria derived from government transfusion

guidelines. Possible common proximate causes for inappropriate

transfusions include unnecessary transfusion for iron-deficiency

anaemia and transfusion as a first choice for volume replacement.

Options to promote good transfusion practice in India should be

appraised.

Correspondence

Correspondence: Dr T. J. Bray, Research Fellow, Clinical Research

Unit, Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London School

of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, UK.

Fax: 00-44-207637-4314; e-mail: tim.bray@...