An Analysis of Donor Blood Wastage in a Blood Bank in Rural Karnataka

This study was conducted to know the various reasons for donor blood wastage and how to prevent the donor blood wastage. This study was conducted for a period of 2 years from Jan 2009 to Dec 2010 in H.S.K. Blood Bank attached to S.N. Medical College and H.S.K. Hospital, Bagalkot (Karnataka) in southern India. All blood units collected during study period were included. Total blood units collected during study period was 6129 units and total blood units discarded were 263. Voluntary blood donation (VBD) was 3.99%. In the discarded blood units majority were HbsAg Positives (179 Units) and second was due to outdating (38 units). To conclude, we require blood donor awareness programs for public to increase VBD & screening for HbsAg & HIV by rapid tests before bleeding, follow type and screen protocol, to arrange near expiry blood units in front shelves of freezers, not to bleed the rare & Rh negative blood when not required & to have proper inventory management in blood bank to prevent donor blood wastage. Regular audit of blood issue and discard is essential by hospital transfusion committee.