Background: Blood transfusion is a crucial intervention that saves lives and enhances health outcomes. Significant proportion of patients in need of transfusions face challenges accessing to safe blood. Annual collection of approximately 118.5 million units of donated blood worldwide, remains a shortfall in meeting transfusion needs. This study aimed to determine variations in blood requirements annually, seasonally, across different blood groups, components, and assess utilization of Lardly Suraksha Yojana scheme, which is for under 14 girls.
Methods: A retrospective, annual record-based study was conducted at SMS Medical College, Jaipur, utilizing data on blood bag distributions from financial years 2018 to 2022. Data were compiled and analyzed using Microsoft Excel. Ethical clearance was obtained from Research Review Board and Ethics Committee of institute before commencing study, ensuring compliance with ethical standards and protocols.
Results: Analysis of yearly data revealed significant seasonal variations, with notable increase in blood requirements during monsoon season compared to winter. Among blood groups, requirement trend showed an increase in B+ and O+ groups over the past five years, while AB- group exhibited lowest demand. Red Packed Cell SAGM's total requirement demonstrated a consistent annual increase. Moreover, there was an upward trend observed in utilization of blood under Ladali Rakt Seva (LRS).
Conclusions: It’s been concluded that a higher demand for blood during and around monsoon season compared to winter months. Increase in requirement for blood groups B+ and O+. Utilization of blood through LSY scheme witnessed a notable rise, signifying improved accessibility to blood resources.