LAUSR

Aim: To develop a plan directed towards minimising blood wastage and ensuring appropriate blood handling during COVID-19 pandemic. Method(s): The frequency of blood donation in Australia declined dramatically due to escalating COVID-19 cases, recurring lock downs and staff shortages. To decrease risk of infection of blood units delivered to potential COVID-19 infectious (red zone) areas, and to minimise wastage, key stakeholders from Transfusion Medicine, infection control, anaesthesia, intensive care, emergency, haematology, orderlies, RFDS, Emergency Helicopter Retrieval were consulted for blood management best practice. The plan included development of a staff education poster for use during teaching huddles, and labeling of blood shippers within hospital as well as disposable outer packaging of shippers for intersite transport. The poster was distributed by hospital global message, on Health Information Hubs and to external blood users. COVID-19 blood wastage was recorded on the Laboratory Information System and monitored for trends to determine if further education was required. Result(s): Despite a great deal of information being readily available with regards to COVID-19 regulations, this was not the case for blood product management. Hence, it was vital to develop an education plan. To date, blood wastage due to potential COVID-19 infection has been limited to Albumex 4% and 20% = 6 vials, IVIG = 2 vials, RBC =3 and plasma =2. Conclusion(s): The insufficiency of comprehensive blood product management information for COVID-19 patients lead to the development of a well-structured poster on this topic. The availability of the education poster and roll out plan was key to success to inform all staff of their duty to manage blood judiciously to minimise waste and ensure safety of all patients. The result is minimised blood wastage in a large tertiary hospital during this pandemic. The poster was shared to West Australian Transfusion Education group.