Reducing platelet wastage in a regional Australian haematology centre: Impact of phone calls to clinical staff for expiring platelet stock

Background: Inventory management of platelets is critically important to avoid shortage and minimise wastage.1 In our centre this challenging with a platelet order delivery time 12–24 hours no other stock within 400 km radius. Aim: To examine if phoning clinical haematology staff reduced wastage. Methods: Our senior transfusion scientist introduced routine calls when were expiring in the next 12 hours. We compared Discards as Percentage Issued (DAPI) published National Blood Authority reports for July–December 2016 prior intervention DAPI 2018 after was routinely established. Excel spread sheets inventory logs phone clinicians also reviewed. Results: observed an absolute reduction 9.2% between two periods (23.0% vs 32.2% 2016). From 66 made regarding stock. The total number issued similar (391 387 2018). Discussion: results demonstrate simple yet effective best practice strategy reduce are not aware any centres who utilising strategy. Reference 1. Authority. Product Wastage Reduction Strategy 2013–2017. Canberra: Authority, 2013. https://www.blood.gov.au/system/files/documents/nba-wastage-strategy.pdf