Optimizing blood bank resources when implementing a low-titer group O+ whole blood program: an in silico study

Logistics of managing a trauma whole blood inventory in a civilian level 1 trauma center

BACKGROUND

Institutional data on initiating and maintaining a low-titer O positive whole blood (LTOWB) inventory for the civilian trauma sector may help other institutions start a LTOWB program. This study from a level 1 trauma center with a hospital-based donor center highlights challenges faced during the collection, maintenance, and utilization of LTOWB.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Male O positive donors with low (≤1:100) anti-A and anti-B antibody titers were recruited for LTOWB collection. The daily inventory goal of 4 LTOWB units was kept in the emergency department refrigerator and transfused to adult male trauma patients. Unused units older than 10 days were reprocessed into packed red blood cells.

RESULTS

Of 900 donors screened, 61% qualified and 52% of eligible donors provided a collective total of 505 LTOWB units over 2.5 years. The number of collected units directly correlated with the availability of inventory; 42% of the units were transfused, 54% were reprocessed, and 4% were discarded. The inventory goal was maintained for 56% of the year 2018 and 83% of the year 2019. Over these 2 years, 52% of patients had their transfusion needs fully met, 41% had their needs partially met, and 6.5% did not have their needs met.

DISCUSSION

Initial challenges to LTOWB implementation were inventory shortages, low utilization rates, and failure to meet clinical demand. Proposed solutions include allowing for a higher yet safe titer, extending shelf life, expanding the donor pool, identifying barriers to utilization, and permitting use in female trauma patients beyond childbearing age.