Utilization of red cell concentrate from storage centers of South Gujarat

INTRODUCTION: Blood storage centres in remote areas of the country was started to serve the patients in those locations. Present study analyses the the utilisation of blood from such storage centres under one regional transfusion centre in south Gujrat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study amount of blood requested, utilised, major reasons for utilisation were studied from available records and analysed. RESULTS: 20 storage centres serving almost 2 million population per year was studied. 2197 - 3089 units of blood were requested from these centres per year with utilisation rates of 100 – 134 units/centre/year. Severe anaemia, Antenatalcare, operations and postpartum. Haemorrhage were important causes for red cell transfusion. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The storage centres are functioning reasonably well but utilisation of around 2500 - 3500 units packed red cell per year for 2 million population suggests under utlisation of the facility.