Use of interventions to minimise perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion in Australia - A survey by the International Study of Perioperative transfusion (ISPOT) study group

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate use of interventions to minimise need for perioperative transfusion of allogeneic blood in surgical units in Australia. DESIGN: Two questionnaire-based surveys of practice. SETTING: All hospitals in Australia, 1996-1997. PARTICIPANTS: Survey 1: all Australian hospitals that have at least 50 beds and undertake surgery; Survey 2: surgical units identified as using the interventions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reported rates of use of the various interventions (preoperative autologous donation, acute normovolaemic haemodilution [ANH], cell salvage, and drugs); use of guidelines; and perceptions about the appropriateness of current levels of use. RESULTS: Survey 1 was retur..