Analysis of Blood Components and Usage in the Region of Galicia

Abstract

Background/Case Studies: The distribution section of the Transfusion Center of Galicia (CTG) distributed daily blood components (CB) to the dif-ferent transfusion services of the 34 hospitals in the Galician health care network. The actual donation rate in our region is 41.5 units per thousand inhabitants per year. We have analyzed the evolution of the donation, dis-tribution and usage of CB in the region of Galicia during the period 2001-2010. Study Design/Methods: Population data were obtained from the National Institute of Statistics (www.ine.es), the number of donations and the number of CB distributed were obtained from computer systems e-Del-phyn and NetBank. The units transfused are reported by different hospitals in the annual statistics. Transfusion rates of each CB were defi ned as number units per thousand inhabitants per year. The units of FFP (fresh frozen plasma) are treated with methylene blue. The platelet concentrates (PCs) from apheresis and from standard donation have been treated by Intercept since March 2008. Results/Findings: From 2001 to 2010 the population increased by only 1 percent and the number of donations has increased by 5.3%. During the study period, the supply of RBC (red blood cells) increased by 9.7% and the supply of PCs increased by 62.4%. The causes of this increase are largely associated with tumor diseases, cardio-vascular surgery, hematological disorders including allogeneic hematopoi-etic progenitor cell transplant, as well as ageing population. However, the provision of FFP was reduced by 24.7%. Transfusion data are shown with more detail in the attached Table. From 2001 to 2006 we do not have reg-isters of transfused PCs. Conclusion: Data show an increase in demand for RBC and PCs, to remain constant or decrease FFP needs. There is variability in the use of CB among different regions of the country and with other Western countries with health systems similar to ours. Further studies are needed to analyze the variables that infl uence the donation and usage in order to apply corrective measures to ensure its sustainability