Sources of preventable errors related to transfusion

A Multianalyte Machine Learning Model to Detect Wrong Blood in Complete Blood Count Tube Errors in a Pediatric Setting

BACKGROUND

Multianalyte machine learning (ML) models can potentially identify previously undetectable wrong blood in tube (WBIT) errors, improving upon current single-analyte delta check methodology. However, WBIT detection model performance has not been assessed in a real-world, low-prevalence context. To estimate real-world positive predictive values, we propose a methodology to assess WBIT detection models by evaluating the impact of missing data and by using a "low prevalence" validation data set.

METHODS

We trained a range of model specifications using various predictors in a pediatric setting. We assessed the top-performing model on a modified, "low prevalence" validation data set across a range of probability thresholds. Model performance was also compared to a pre-positive patient identification (pre-PPID) dataset.

RESULTS

An Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model with minimal preprocessing performed the best for both complete blood count with differential white cell count (CBC with Diff) tests (accuracy 0.9715) and complete blood count without differential white cell count (CBC without Diff) tests (accuracy 0.9647). Assessment on a downsampled, "low prevalence" validation data set resulted in estimated positive predictive values ranging from 0.01 to 0.67 (CBC with Diff) and 0.01 to 0.75 (CBC without Diff), depending on the probability threshold chosen. A comparison of prospective performance to PPID data demonstrated a large decrease in estimated WBIT errors.

CONCLUSIONS

We find that ML models can accurately predict WBITs in a primarily pediatric setting. Evaluating model performance across a range of probability thresholds minimizes the number of false positives while still providing added safety benefits. The decrease in estimated WBITS post-PPID implementation shows the potential safety benefits of a WBIT model for hospitals not using PPID when collecting laboratory specimens.

Enhancing clinical insight: Implementing validated questionnaires for comprehensive assessment of clinician expertise in transfusion medicine practices

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, pivotal in saving countless lives annually. However, inadequate knowledge among healthcare providers can lead to serious complications. Despite the availability of assessment tools like the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) test, there is a need for indigenous-validated questionnaires to address knowledge gaps effectively. This study aimed to evaluate bedside transfusion medicine knowledge among clinical residents using a validated questionnaire, focusing on knowledge gaps.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care referral center in Northern India. The questionnaire, developed based on national and international transfusion guidelines, was validated by an expert panel, and administered to 245 clinical residents. The questionnaire covered six domains related to transfusion medicine: blood component storage, blood bank procedures, transfusion-transmitted infections, administration of blood components, transfusion reactions, and transfusion practices.

RESULTS

The study revealed varying levels of knowledge across specialties and residency years. Overall, residents scored 61 % in transfusion medicine knowledge, with Pediatrics residents demonstrating the highest scores. The incremental increase in knowledge from first to third-year residents underscores the value of continuous, experience-based learning throughout the residency period.

DISCUSSION

Study highlights significant knowledge gaps in bedside transfusion practices among clinical residents, emphasizing the need for structured educational interventions. Tailored programs, integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula, are essential to improve transfusion safety and patient outcomes. Addressing these gaps can lead to better bedside transfusion practices, reducing risks and improving the quality of patient care.

Improving awareness of blood culture indication, procedure and resource Utilization at Armed Forces Hospital Jizan, Saudi Arabia

Blood culture contamination (BCC) is a significant quality and safety issue in hospitals, as it leads to increase in unnecessary testing, admissions, antibiotic exposure and cost. This study is the first study on the BCC rates in Armed Forces Hospital Jizan (AFHJ), Saudi Arabia. The main goal of our quality improvement (QI) project was to reduce BCC rate in AFHJ from 7.5% to international benchmark (<3%) after January 2021 as well as to reduce the negativity rate. This study was conducted in AFHJ (KSA) including two major steps: first, development and implementation of QI interventions to reduce BCC and negativity rate in the AFHJ. Second, evaluation of the effectiveness of these interventions. The intervention was developed through QI methodologies, including fishbone diagramming and the plan-do-study-act cycle. Intervention effectiveness was evaluated using an interrupted time series analysis. Clear survey questionnaires were made and distributed to participants to get preaudit results.Then we started the education programme depending on the preaudit results. Soft copy of written steps of blood collection procedure and indication was done and sent to nurses and physicians. After that, direct observations of nurses involved in the process were conducted. Finally, post-training assessment using previous survey questionnaires was performed to get postaudit results. During the baseline period (preintervention period), 7.5% from blood culture were contaminated, compared with 1.8% during the intervention period (postintervention period). Rate of negative blood culture was reduced from 96% to 91%. Overall improvement of knowledge and awareness of the nurses and physicians clearly noted after intervention implementation. Fortunately, we have noted that the budget of microbiology would be reduced by 10%-12% as a result of our interventions. By standardising blood culture collection methods, optimising blood volume and nurses' education, we were able to develop a best practice for blood culture collection and to reduce BCC and negativity rate to a sustainable low rate at our hospital.

Blood Group Testing

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is one of the most frequently performed clinical procedures and therapies to improve tissue oxygen delivery in hospitalized patients worldwide. Generally, the cross-match is the mandatory test in place to meet the clinical needs of RBC transfusion by examining donor-recipient compatibility with antigens and antibodies of blood groups. Blood groups are usually an individual's combination of antigens on the surface of RBCs, typically of the ABO blood group system and the RH blood group system. Accurate and reliable blood group typing is critical before blood transfusion. Serological testing is the routine method for blood group typing based on hemagglutination reactions with RBC antigens against specific antibodies. Nevertheless, emerging technologies for blood group testing may be alternative and supplemental approaches when serological methods cannot determine blood groups. Moreover, some new technologies, such as the evolving applications of blood group genotyping, can precisely identify variant antigens for clinical significance. Therefore, this review mainly presents a clinical overview and perspective of emerging technologies in blood group testing based on the literature. Collectively, this may highlight the most promising strategies and promote blood group typing development to ensure blood transfusion safety.

The development of a legal framework for blood donation and blood safety in China over 24 years

Background

This study analyzes the regulation of and developments in blood donation in China from 1996 to 2019, and demonstrates the government’s efforts to improve blood safety.

Results

Since the implementation of the Blood Donation Law in 1998, the number of blood donors in China increased by 275% from 1998 to 2018 (from 4 million to 15 million). The principle of no-fault liability was proposed and has been applied since 2010 to the tort liability related to blood transfusion malpractice. In 2015, mutual blood donation accounted for 4.2% of the national collection. However, in some provinces of China, the percentage of mutual blood donation increased from 9.3 to 35.6% in 2016. The National Health Commission canceled mutual blood donation in March of 2018. Since 2015, nucleic acid amplification testing has become a routine test item for screening blood.

Conclusions

The Chinese government institutionalized the voluntary non-remunerated donation principle, enacted regulations for the management of blood transfusion, and adopted advanced blood testing technology to sustain blood supply and ensure blood safety. Despite increased blood donation, blood shortages persist. The quality and safety of blood collection can be further improved through the cancellation of mutual blood donation and incentive measures for voluntary non-remunerated donation of blood, which needs facilitation by governmental legislation.

Report on errors in pretransfusion testing from a tertiary care center: A step toward transfusion safety

INTRODUCTION

Errors in the process of pretransfusion testing for blood transfusion can occur at any stage from collection of the sample to administration of the blood component. The present study was conducted to analyze the errors that threaten patients' transfusion safety and actual harm/serious adverse events that occurred to the patients due to these errors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prospective study was conducted in the Department Of Transfusion Medicine, Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh Hospital, Government Medical College, Jammu, India from January 2014 to December 2014 for a period of 1 year. Errors were defined as any deviation from established policies and standard operating procedures. A near-miss event was defined as those errors, which did not reach the patient. Location and time of occurrence of the events/errors were also noted.

RESULTS

A total of 32,672 requisitions for the transfusion of blood and blood components were received for typing and cross-matching. Out of these, 26,683 products were issued to the various clinical departments. A total of 2,229 errors were detected over a period of 1 year. Near-miss events constituted 53% of the errors and actual harmful events due to errors occurred in 0.26% of the patients. Sample labeling errors were 2.4%, inappropriate request for blood components 2%, and information on requisition forms not matching with that on the sample 1.5% of all the requisitions received were the most frequent errors in clinical services. In transfusion services, the most common event was accepting sample in error with the frequency of 0.5% of all requisitions. ABO incompatible hemolytic reactions were the most frequent harmful event with the frequency of 2.2/10,000 transfusions.

CONCLUSION

Sample labeling, inappropriate request, and sample received in error were the most frequent high-risk errors.

Transfusion errors: causes, incidence, and strategies for prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Miss-transfusion of blood has become one of the leading causes of death related to blood transfusion. New technology is able to better prevent miss-transfusions than older methods.

RECENT FINDINGS

New computer-based technology is available and is very effective in preventing miss-transfusion of blood.

SUMMARY

Humans make errors. New technology can prevent those errors.

Claims and compensation for complications resulting from blood transfusions in China from 1998 to 2013

The purpose of this study was to find causes, outcomes, and trends in malpractice litigation involving blood transfusions in China. This study examines 108 claims resulting from transfusion-related complications over a period of 15 years. The primary outcomes associated with these claims included transfusion-transmitted infection (98 cases, 90.8%), transfusion reactions (nine cases, 8.3%), and failures to obtain informed consent (one case, 0.9%). The specialty of obstetrics and gynecology was more likely to be accepted in judgment. As the supreme status of law, Blood Donation Law plays an important role in the blood safety, which results in less HCV infection cases occurred after 1998. Though the 2002 and 2010's rules give opposite liability principle, the fault liability and no-fault liability, the statistics shows that rules do not have an effect on different liabilities in judicial practice. The current study concludes that the risk of serious adverse transfusion reactions may be significantly increased by unnecessary transfusions.

The role of comprehensive check at the blood bank reception on blood requisitions in detecting potential transfusion errors

Pre-transfusion testing includes proper requisitions, compatibility testing and pre-release checks. Proper labelling of samples and blood units and accurate patient details check helps to minimize the risk of errors in transfusion. This study was aimed to identify requisition errors before compatibility testing. The study was conducted in the blood bank of a tertiary care hospital in north India over a period of 3 months. The requisitions were screened at the reception counter and inside the pre-transfusion testing laboratory for errors. This included checking the Central Registration number (C.R. No.) and name of patient on the requisition form and the sample label; appropriateness of sample container and sample label; incomplete requisitions; blood group discrepancy. Out of the 17,148 blood requisitions, 474 (2.76 %) requisition errors were detected before the compatibility testing. There were 192 (1.11 %) requisitions where the C.R. No. on the form and the sample were not tallying and in 70 (0.40 %) requisitions patient's name on the requisition form and the sample were different. Highest number of requisitions errors were observed in those received from the Emergency and Trauma services (27.38 %) followed by Medical wards (15.82 %) and the lowest number (3.16 %) of requisition errors were observed from Hematology and Oncology wards. C.R. No. error was the most common error observed in our study. Thus a careful check of the blood requisitions at the blood bank reception counter helps in identifying the potential transfusion errors.

The cost of poor blood specimen quality and errors in preanalytical processes

OBJECTIVES

The increase in the prevalence of medical errors represents a disturbing trend; hospital-based errors are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States. For the clinical laboratory, errors that occur in the preanalytical phase of testing may account for up to 75% of total laboratory errors; 26% of these may have detrimental effects on patient care, which contribute to unnecessary investigations or inappropriate treatment, increase in lengths of hospital stay, as well as dissatisfaction with healthcare services. This review focuses on these errors, particularly those observed in the preanalytical phase, and how they may affect clinical and financial outcomes. Financial ramifications are also demonstrated through a model that estimates the costs of preanalytical errors for the hospital and laboratory as well as patient care.

Computerized bar code-based blood identification systems and near-miss transfusion episodes and transfusion errors

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the use of a computerized bar code-based blood identification system resulted in a reduction in transfusion errors or near-miss transfusion episodes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our institution instituted a computerized bar code-based blood identification system in October 2006. After institutional review board approval, we performed a retrospective study of transfusion errors from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2005, and from January 1, 2007, through December 31, 2010.

RESULTS

A total of 388,837 U were transfused during the 2002-2005 period. There were 6 misidentification episodes of a blood product being transfused to the wrong patient during that period (incidence of 1 in 64,806 U or 1.5 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, 0.6-3.3 per 100,000 transfusions). There was 1 reported near-miss transfusion episode (incidence of 0.3 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, <0.1-1.4 per 100,000 transfusions). A total of 304,136 U were transfused during the 2007-2010 period. There was 1 misidentification episode of a blood product transfused to the wrong patient during that period when the blood bag and patient's armband were scanned after starting to transfuse the unit (incidence of 1 in 304,136 U or 0.3 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, <0.1-1.8 per 100,000 transfusions; P=.14). There were 34 reported near-miss transfusion errors (incidence of 11.2 per 100,000 transfusions; 95% CI, 7.7-15.6 per 100,000 transfusions; P<.001).

CONCLUSION

Institution of a computerized bar code-based blood identification system was associated with a large increase in discovered near-miss events.

Incomplete pretransfusion testing leads to surgical delays

BACKGROUND

The Joint Commission has highlighted the importance of having appropriate and complete pretransfusion testing before surgery begins. The maximum surgical blood ordering schedule (MSBOS) indicates which patients require preoperative transfusion testing. We determined the number of times surgical delays were caused due to the lack of completed pretransfusion testing.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

All transfusion events reported through the common medical event reporting system of eight networked hospitals over a 12-month period were evaluated to determine how often patients experienced surgical delays due to not having complete pretransfusion testing.

RESULTS

During this 12-month period 12 patients were identified who were either in or en route to the operating room with incomplete pretransfusion testing leading to a delay in providing crossmatched red blood cells (RBCs). In 6 of 12 cases a new antibody was discovered, which required extra time for the provision of crossmatched RBCs, while in 4 of 12 patients the samples were not sent or were lost on the way to the blood bank. In the remaining two patients other parts of the pretransfusion testing process were not followed according to hospital policy. The median surgery start time delay was approximately 12 hours (range, 1-168 hr) in 11 of 12 cases. One patient's case was not aborted when it was discovered that crossmatched RBCs were not immediately available due to newly detected alloantibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified three mechanisms by which delays in completing pretransfusion testing in surgical patients occurred. Adherence to the MSBOS and sample collection policies should reduce delays.

Challenges and opportunities to prevent transfusion errors: a Qualitative Evaluation for Safer Transfusion (QUEST)

BACKGROUND

One of the most frequent causes of transfusion-associated morbidity or mortality is the transfusion of the wrong blood to the wrong patient. This problem persists in spite of the incorporation of numerous procedures into the pretransfusion checking process in an effort to improve patient safety. A qualitative study was undertaken to understand this process from the perspective of those who administer blood products and to identify concerns and suggestions to improve safety.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Twelve focus group discussions and seven individual interviews were conducted at six hospitals in five countries (n = 72 individuals). Health care professionals from a variety of clinical areas participated. Data analysis identified common themes using the constant comparison method.

RESULTS

Five major themes emerged from the analysis: the pretransfusion checking process, training, policy, error, and monitoring. Findings include the following: staff were aware and appreciative of the seriousness of errors and were receptive to continuous monitoring, the focus was on checking the bag label with the paperwork rather than the bag label with the patient at the bedside, training methods varied with most perceived to have minimal effectiveness, and access to policies was challenging and keeping up to date was difficult. Other factors that could contribute to errors included high volume of workload distractions and interruptions and familiarity or lack of familiarity with patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple factors can contribute to errors during the pretransfusion checking limiting the effectiveness of any individual intervention designed to improve safety. Areas of further research to improve safety of blood administration were identified.

Improved traceability and transfusion safety with a new portable computerised system in a hospital with intermediate transfusion activity

BACKGROUND

A retrospective study carried out on medical records of transfused patients in our hospital in 2002 revealed that manual identification procedures were insufficient to offer satisfactory traceability. The aim of this study was to assess adequacy of transfusion traceability and compliance with proper identification procedures after introducing an electronic identification system (EIS) for transfusion safety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chosen EIS (Gricode(®)) was set up. Traceability was calculated as the percentage of empty blood units used returned to the Transfusion Service, compared to the number of supplied units. Compliance in the Transfusion Service was calculated as the percentage of electronic controls from dispatch of blood components/transfusion request performed, compared to the total number of transfused units. Compliance in the ward was calculated as the percentage of electronic controls from sample collection/transfusion performed, compared to the total number of samples collected.

RESULTS

This retrospective study showed that only 48.0% of the medical records were free of inaccuracies. After the implementation of the EIS (2005-2008), traceability was always above 99%. Percentage of monthly compliance from 2006 to 2008 was always above 93%, showing a significant trend to increase (p<0.05). The mean compliance in this period was higher in the Transfusion Service (97.8 ± 0.7 SD) than in the ward (94.9 ± 2.4 SD; p<0.001). Compliance in the ward was lowest when the system was first implemented (87.9% in April 2006) after which it progressively increased. No errors in ABO transfusions were registered.

CONCLUSION

After implementation of the EIS, traceability and compliance reached very high levels, linked to an improvement in transfusion safety.

Designing property specifications to improve the safety of the blood transfusion process

Computer scientists use a number of well-established techniques that have the potential to improve the safety of patient care processes. One is the formal definition of a process; the other is the formal definition of the properties of a process. Even highly regulated processes, such as laboratory specimen acquisition and transfusion therapy, use guidelines that may be vague, misunderstood, and hence erratically implemented. Examining processes in a systematic way has led us to appreciate the potential variability in routine health care practice and the impact of this variability on patient safety in the clinical setting. The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of innovative computer science techniques as a means of formally defining and specifying certain desirable goals of common, high-risk, patient care processes. Our focus is on describing the specification of process properties, that is, the high-level goals of a process that ultimately dictate why a process should be performed in a given manner.

Increasing patient safety and efficiency in transfusion therapy using formal process definitions

The administration of blood products is a common, resource-intensive, and potentially problem-prone area that may place patients at elevated risk in the clinical setting. Much of the emphasis in transfusion safety has been targeted toward quality control measures in laboratory settings where blood products are prepared for administration as well as in automation of certain laboratory processes. In contrast, the process of transfusing blood in the clinical setting (ie, at the point of care) has essentially remained unchanged over the past several decades. Many of the currently available methods for improving the quality and safety of blood transfusions in the clinical setting rely on informal process descriptions, such as flow charts and medical algorithms, to describe medical processes. These informal descriptions, although useful in presenting an overview of standard processes, can be ambiguous or incomplete. For example, they often describe only the standard process and leave out how to handle possible failures or exceptions. One alternative to these informal descriptions is to use formal process definitions, which can serve as the basis for a variety of analyses because these formal definitions offer precision in the representation of all possible ways that a process can be carried out in both standard and exceptional situations. Formal process definitions have not previously been used to describe and improve medical processes. The use of such formal definitions to prospectively identify potential error and improve the transfusion process has not previously been reported. The purpose of this article is to introduce the concept of formally defining processes and to describe how formal definitions of blood transfusion processes can be used to detect and correct transfusion process errors in ways not currently possible using existing quality improvement methods.

Detection of a new weak A blood-group allele (Aw11)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Weak ABO variants may escape tests using unlicensed sera.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prior to transfusion, ABO grouping was performed using an automated system and in-house diluted sera, and manual and bedside test techniques. Genotyping and sequencing were performed using standard methods.

RESULTS

Initially, the red blood cells (RBC) of the first-time blood donor were typed as B, but pretransfusion testing carried out using the bedside test indicated the presence of an additional A phenotype. Serological re-examination confirmed the bedside test results, and the allele in question was identified, by genotyping, as a new weak A variant (Aw11).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CE-marked and licensed antisera is recommended to avoid ABO mistyping.

Failure of bedside ABO testing is still the most common cause of incorrect blood transfusion in the Barcode era

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

ABO-incompatible red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are a major risk in transfusion medicine. Identification of factors leading to this hazard is important to improve transfusion safety.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All consecutive erroneous ABO-incompatible transfusions occurring from January 1997 to December 2004 at the Charité University Hospital in Berlin, Germany were analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 343,432 RBC units were transfused, and eight patients erroneously received 13 ABO-incompatible RBC concentrates. The most frequent error was incorrect bedside testing (n=7). Intensive care treatment was required in two cases, but there were no fatal mistransfusions. Four patients had no or only mild reactions.

CONCLUSION

Mistransfusions are still a considerable risk in transfusion medicine despite quality control systems and electronic data processing. An increase in transfusion safety may require the introduction of further systems, e.g. radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags.