Routine pre-operative cross-match for elective colorectal resections: an appropriate use of resources?

INTRODUCTION: our Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS) recommends that blood is cross-matched prior to elective colorectal resections. National guidelines state that blood should not be cross-matched if blood usage is below 50%. Our aims were to determine compliance with local and national guidelines and assess timing of blood transfusions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: consecutive elective colorectal resections from August 2007 to December 2008 were identified retrospectively using an electronic theatre management system. Patients transfused pre-operatively were excluded. Pre-operative cross-match status and blood transfusion data for each patient were identified using an electronic pathology system and case notes. Cross-match to transfusion (C:T) ratio and blood usage were calculated.

RESULTS: one hundred and thirty one patients were identified. One hundred and sixteen patients (88.5%) had a pre-operative cross-match, 13 patients (9.9%) had a pre-operative group and save and 2 patients (1.5%) had neither a valid cross-match nor group and save. A total of 295 units of blood were cross-matched; 79 units were transfused. Overall C:T ratio was 3.7:1 and blood usage was 26.8%. Twenty eight patients (21.4%) were transfused within 5 days of surgery. Six patients (4.6%) were transfused intra-operatively; 3 (2.3%) post-operatively on the same day; 8 (6.1%) on day one and 11 (8.4%) on or after day 2.

CONCLUSION: we are over-ordering blood for elective colorectal resections and cannot justify performing a routine pre-operative cross-match. Blood should be grouped and saved pre-operatively and cross-matched only when clinically indicated to minimise inappropriate requests, expenditure and help improve blood stock management.