Background: Wastage concerns are a barrier to adopting whole blood (WB) therapy in trauma patients. Converting aging WB to red blood cell units (RBCs) may minimize wastage.
Methods: Blood bank records for WB and standard blood products were retrospectively reviewed at a level 1 trauma center from 8/2020 - 3/2023. Secondary analysis of outcomes for patients requiring trauma activation and receiving WB or RBC within 4 h of arrival was performed. Blood wastage and outcomes were compared.
Results: WB and type-O RBCs had comparable wastage rates (0.7 vs 0.5 %). 677 WB units were transfused, while 668 were converted and transfused as RBCs. 9 were wasted, none expired. 496 patients met secondary analysis criteria. 168 received WB. WB transfusion ratios were more balanced and outcomes were similar compared to component therapy (COMP).
Conclusion: Converting aging WB to RBCs resulted in minimal blood wastage, with similar outcomes and more balanced transfusion ratios compared to COMP.
Keywords: Expiration; Transfusion; Trauma; Waste; Whole blood.
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