| Sub-title | |
| Authors | N Debattista S Laspina |
| Abstract | Aims: From January to August 2006 St Lukes Hospital Blood Bank performed over 30 thousand compatibility tests, among other services it provides. The usage of blood and the costs involved were determined. Methods: Data on the laboratory information system (Progesa) were analysed. Results: Of the total number of compatibility tests performed, 66.4% of units requested were not issued or were returned back to the blood bank. The cost involved to perform a compatibility test varies with the number of units requested. This involves a patient blood group that costs LM 1.25 and for each unit cross-matched the cost increases by LM 1.35. Conclusion: When taking into consideration the time it takes to perform the test and the costs involved, changes to the current service provision ought to be considered. The introduction of techniques such as Type and Screen and Group and Hold may streamline the service and reduce the costs. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | compatibility testing, blood bank |