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Use of fresh-frozen plasma at Royal Darwin Hospital: A retrospective audit
journal contribution
posted on 2008-09-01, 00:00 authored by Steve MoylanSteve Moylan, F Szabo, H Scott, G KwokBackground: The aim of the study was to assess the appropriateness of use of fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) at Royal Darwin Hospital against the National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian and New Zealand Society for Blood Transfusion guidelines. Methods: A retrospective review of blood product request forms, online pathology storage system data, pathology records and clinical notes between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2006 was carried out. The appropriateness of requests was assessed against existing guidelines. The percentage of appropriate and inappropriate FFP transfusions was obtained. Results: Six hundred and forty-eight of 950 units (68%) of FFP were used with an appropriate indication as per National Health and Medical Research Council/Australian and New Zealand Society for Blood Transfusion guidelines. Of the remaining units, 14% (137 units) was given without a clear indication and a decision of appropriateness could not be established for 17% (165 units) because of inadequate clinical or pathology information (e.g. coagulation results). Multiple issues around prescribing practice were identified. Conclusion: There is significant use of FFP at Royal Darwin Hospital without clear clinical indication. The employment of a transfusion nurse to monitor use of FFP (and other blood products) and provide education is aimed at improving transfusion efficiency and patient safety. © 2008 The Authors.
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Journal
Internal Medicine JournalVolume
38Issue
9Pagination
686 - 691Publisher DOI
ISSN
1444-0903eISSN
1445-5994Publication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalUsage metrics
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