LAUSR

One group and hold sample costs approximately £18 to process while it costs £170 to prepare and administer 1 unit of cross matched blood. We aimed to quantify the amount of blood cross-matched for elective oesophagectomy and gastrectomy cases and compare this to the number of units transfused. Retrospective cohort study comparing number of crossmatched blood units requested. Baseline data collected over a 10-week period (08/07/19-16/09/19). A new blood ordering protocol made in agreement with oesophago-gastric and anaesthetic consultants with criteria for blood ordering. Blood was only to be requested if: antibodies on group and hold, pre-op Hb < 120g/l, operative team concerns or previous radiotherapy. Data recollected using the same parameters post -intervention over a 10-week period (23/12/19-08/03/20). Pre-intervention 24 patients were included, mean age 67. 47 units were requested with only 1 transfused. Post intervention 27 patients were included, mean age 69. 36 units were ordered and 3 transfused. The new protocol was correctly implemented in 19 patients (70%) therefore saving a potential of 24 units and approximately £4080. Patients were cross matched far in excess of their transfusion needs. There was significant reduction in the number of patients being cross-matched post intervention. Rationalising this is important to reduce waste, reduce cost and cut down on delays to maximise theatre time.