BackgroundAlthough transfusion is a paramount life-saving therapy, there are multiple potential significant risks. Therefore, all adverse transfusion reaction (ATR) episodes require close monitoring. Using the computerized reporting system, we assessed the frequency and pattern of non-infectious ATRs.MethodsWe analyzed two-year transfusion data from electronic medical records retrospectively. From March 2013 to February 2015, 364,569 units of blood were transfused. Of them, 334,582 (91.8%) records were identified from electronic nursing records. For the confirmation of ATRs by blood bank physicians, patients' electronic medical records were further evaluated.ResultsAccording to the nursing records, the frequency of all possible transfusion-related events was 3.1%. After the blood bank physicians' review, the frequency was found to be 1.2%. The overall frequency of febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTRs) to red blood cells (RBCs), platelet (PLT) components, and fresh frozen plasmas (FFPs) were 0.9%, 0.3%, and 0.2%, respectively, and allergic reactions represented 0.3% (RBCs), 0.9% (PLTs), and 0.9% (FFPs), respectively. The pre-storage leukocyte reduction significantly decreased the frequency of FNHTRs during the transfusion of RBCs (P<0.01) or PLTs (P≒0.01).ConclusionsThe frequency of FNHTRs, allergic reactions, and "no reactions" were 22.0%, 17.0%, and 60.7%, respectively. Leukocyte-reduction was associated with a lower rate of FNHTRs, but not with that of allergic reactions. The development of an effective electronic reporting system of ATRs is important in quantifying transfusion-related adverse events. This type of reporting system can also accurately identify the underlying problems and risk factors to further the quality of transfusion care for patients.

Factor XII (FXII) deficiency is a rare genetic blood disorder. It can lead to a higher risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or acquired thrombotic disorders than the general population. This retrospective study evaluated patients who opted for surgery and were found to have abnormal clotting profiles and clotting factors on preoperative routine blood. Patients were included regardless of whether they were symptomatic or asymptomatic. The cohort comprised 115 patients with a mean FXII level of 128.04 ± 36.93%. Two (1.79%) patients, both of whom were women, had FXII levels <60%. The mean FXII level was 58 ± 1.41 (range, 57–59%) in this group. The present study shows the prevalence of FXII in the asymptomatic Saudi population. The results provide the normal range for FXII. The findings of our study provide the basis for diagnosing F XII deficiency in the asymptomatic Saudi population.

Background: Recently, operation technology and health care environment are continuously improving and changing. An updated MSBOS using current blood usage data is necessary for efficient blood management in the hospital blood bank. Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis based on operation names according to the ICD-9-CM at Severance hospital in 2013. We calculated the average units of red blood cells according to each operation, as well as the total units of RBCs used per each operation and patient. Finally an average unit of RBCs was set for the MSBOS, which were ordered before surgical operation. These analyzed results were compared with the previous reports of our hospital and other hospitals. Results: Transfusion episodes occurred in 3,092 cases, which is only 8.6% of all patients. Total transfused units were 8,230 units, 27% of total RBCs (2,270 units) transfused were used in cardiovascular surgery. Compared with the previous data, the usage of RBCs during surgery was decreased. Conclusion: The MSBOS investigated in this study showed some differences in the indicators in 2007. Therefore, regular update of the MSBOS is necessary in each hospital to reflect the advancement of surgical technology. (Korean J Blood Transfus 2015;26:38-46)

Background: Transfusion Services in Saudi Arabia are mainly hospital-based, where each major hospital recruit donors, test for Hepatitis B service antigen (HBs Ag), Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV), Human Immune Deficiency Virus antibody (Anti-HIV), and Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) for HBV-DNA, HCV-RNA, and HIV-RNA. In addition, Anti-HBc and Anti-HBs titer are tested for those who are negative for HBs Antigen and NAT, so that blood products from donors with high Anti-HBs titer (>100 u/ml) can be used. The aim of this limited retrospective study is to find out the prevalence of Anti-HBc among blood donors in different blood donation centers in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia and current policies regarding blood utilization from donors with positive Anti-HBc. Materials and Methods: We reviewed blood donor records in 4 large hospitals in Riyadh between 2011-2015. Hospital names are not disclosed for confidentiality reasons. Instead, they were named A, B, C, and D Results: (see Table) 1- The overall prevalence of Anti-HBc positive blood donors is 6.2%, however, there is a significant variation among institutions ranging from 2.8 % to 11.1 % (which needs to be investigated to explain reasons for this variation). 2- Some institutions defer all donors with positive anti-HBc (although they carry out all tests), while others carry out anti-HBs and NAT testing and use blood with high titer anti-HBs (> 100 u/ml). Conclusion: There is a need for an expert consensus opinion regarding the cost-effectiveness of anti-HBc for either donor deferral or proceeding to NAT and anti-HBs titer testing. Such a consensus is practiced in many countries, based on the prevalence of anti-HBc and the availability of NAT testing Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.