Visual Blood Loss Estimation Accuracy: Directions for Future Research Based on a Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Visual blood loss estimation occurs in a variety of medical contexts and may impact everything from interventions by immediate responders to the likelihood of receiving blood transfusions in a hospital setting. However, research suggests that visual blood loss estimation is inaccurate for laypeople and medical professionals. The aim of the current study was to conduct a systematic literature review to determine the current state of knowledge on visual blood loss estimation accuracy and identify directions for future research. A structured search resulted in 1799 titles that were subsequently screened. A total of 72 articles were coded for comparison. Based on the evaluation, several gaps were identified, most notably related to factors of the situation that may influence estimation accuracy such as blood flow and victim/patient gender. Directions for future research are proposed based on identified gaps.

Comparing Blood Loss Estimates by Medical Laypeople in Online and In-person Formats using SABLE

“…Additionally, in line with the findings of Phillips et al (2020a), we found that blood loss was underestimated more for the female victim than the male victim. This effect has not otherwise been examined in the literature in this context (Phillips et al, 2020b) but is consistent with findings that males are more likely to receive assistance in trauma situations (Faul et al, 2016) and receive higher quality pre-hospital care (Koval et al, 2006;Wahlin et al, 2016). Unlike Phillips et al (2020a), the current study found an interaction between victim gender and volume.…”

“…However, there are relatively few studies of how medical laypeople perceive blood loss. A recent review of 72 articles examining visual blood loss estimation (Phillips et al, 2020b) revealed that over 90% of the studies involved medical professionals. As a result, many of the experimental stimuli used were clinically relevant but not necessarily representative of the situations in which medical laypeople might need to visually estimate blood loss and determine a course of action.…”

Automated deep learning model for estimating intraoperative blood loss using gauze images

“…The current method for estimating blood loss in laparoscopic surgery entails summing the weight of the used gauzes and the fluid aspirated by the suction device. Unfortunately, this method is inconvenient and labor-intensive, requiring additional manpower, and is not conductive to establishing a real-time intraoperative blood loss monitoring system 22 . Consequently, there is a need for an objective and automated EBL estimation during surgery.…”

Multifunctional 3D platforms for rapid hemostasis and wound healing: Structural and functional prospects at biointerfaces

“…Blood loss associated with surgical procedures, trauma, or injuries can be lethal depending on the extremity of the damage [ 1 ] . Conventional hemostatic techniques, such as suturing or cotton gauzes, are inefficient in achieving rapid hemostasis.…”