Where and when is blood transfused? An observational study of the timing and location of red cell transfusions in the north of England.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES This study was undertaken to provide denominator data relating to the timing and location of transfusion, to support interpretation of reports of incorrect blood component transfused (IBCT) events to the UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out in 29 hospitals in northern England. Data on the timing, location and specialty responsible for transfusion were collected retrospectively (usually the following day) for all red cell units transfused over a 7-day period in September 2005. The timing and location of transfusion of these units was compared with those IBCT reports to SHOT between 1 January and 31 December 2005 in which there was an error in blood collection from the hospital storage site and/or administration to the patient. RESULTS Data were received on 3123 red cell units, 3118 of which were analysable. Individual hospitals returned data on between 1 and 279 units. The data showed that 888 out of 3118 (28.5%) of units were transfused between 20:00 and 08:00 hours, while 63 out of 169 (37%) of IBCT reports to SHOT where there was an error in blood collection/administration were recorded as occurring during this time period. CONCLUSIONS Comparison of our data with those from SHOT suggests that transfusions that are given outside core hours are more likely to be associated with clinical errors.