Quality assurance of haemotherapy in anaesthesia.: Analysis of 3 years experience

Background. The measures for quality assurance in haemotherapy developed at the Charite Campus Mitte according to the transfusion law of 1998 are introduced and discussed. Methods. In a 3-year study period the submission of transfusion documentation and the expiry of blood products were compared to the year 2001. The potentials for improvement for 2001-2003 were compared based on evaluation of the self-inspection documentation of the transfusion clinics. Results. The submission rate for the transfusion documentation increased from 90% in 2001 to 98.3% in 2002 and 2003. The expiry of blood products decreased from 5.1 % in 2001 to 1.7% in 2003 resulting in a cost reduction from 140,000 Euro to 50,000 Euro. Continuous need for improvement was found for the prescribed annual further education of staff on quality management. Conclusions. The self-inspection procedure in transfusion clinics still revealed potential for improvement, although documentation of transfusions were improved and the expiry of blood products and the resulting costs were substantially reduced.