What blood conservation practices are effective at reducing blood sampling volumes and other clinical sequelae in intensive care? A systematic review

Objectives: The objective of this study was to critically appraise and synthesise evidence for blood conservation strategies in intensive care. Blood sampling is a critical aspect of intensive care to guide clinical decision-making. Repeated blood sampling can result in blood waste and contamination, leading to iatrogenic anaemia and systemic infection.Review method used: Cochrane systematic review methods were used including meta-analysis, and independent reviewers. Data sources: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, CINAHL, PUBMED and EMBASE databases. The search was limited to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster RCTs, published in English between 2000 and 2021.Review methods: Paired authors independently assessed database search results and identified eligible studies. Trials comparing any blood conservation practice or product in intensive care were included. Primary outcomes were blood sample volumes and haemoglobin change. Secondary outcomes included proportion of patients receiving transfusions and infection outcomes. Quality appraisal employed the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Meta-analysis using random effects approach and narrative synthesis summarised findings.Results: Eight studies (n 1/4 1027 patients), all RCTs were eligible. Six studies included adults, one studied paediatrics and one studied preterm infants. Seven studies evaluated a closed loop blood sampling system, and one studied a conservative phlebotomy protocol. Studies were of low to moderate quality. Metaanalysis was not possible for interventions targeting blood sample volumes or haemoglobin. Decreased blood sample volumes reported in four studies were attributable to a closed loop system or conservative phlebotomy. No study reported a significant change in haemoglobin. Meta-analysis demonstrated that use of a closed system (compared to open system) reduced the proportion of patients receiving transfusion [Risk Ratio (RR) 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.92; 287 patients] and reduced intraluminal fluid colonisation [RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07-0.58; 500 patients].Conclusions: Limited evidence demonstrates closed loop blood sampling systems reduced transfusion use and fluid colonisation. Simultaneous effectiveness-implementation evaluation of these systems and blood conservation strategies is urgently required.(c) 2022 Australian College of Critical Care Nurses Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.