Quantification of Peri-partum Blood Loss: Training Module and Clot Conversion Factor.

OBJECTIVES To design an objective and accurate method to assess the peri-partum blood loss and to document the benefits of using this method on estimation of blood loss by healthcare professionals. MATERIALS AND METHODS This prospective study was conducted over 6 months at Cama Albless Hospital, Mumbai. To quantify the loss of liquid blood and clots, we made use of plastic drapes, measuring jars, gravimetric method and a training module along with novel clot conversion factor which was designed to validate the visual assessment of blood loss by healthcare professionals. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The visual assessment of blood loss is unreliable. Training module should be on display in labor room and periodic training sessions on visual assessment by and for healthcare professionals are recommended, as we documented that training has definitely a beneficial impact on visual assessment. Clot conversion factor calculated in this study can prove to be a useful tool for objective assessment. Routine use of quantitative measurement rather than visual assessment of blood loss will go a long way to prevent hemorrhage-related maternal deaths.