... demonstrating our commitment to reducing unnecessary tests and treatments in health care.
On the
Choosing Wisely Canada website it notes, “Unnecessary tests and treatments are not only potentially harmful to patients, but also consume precious hospital resources. Fortunately, there are known and effective ways to curb overuse and many hospitals across Canada have implemented these measures.”
Our laboratory receives all blood products from Canada Blood Services, who collects blood from volunteer donors. We routinely receive blood products three times a week but can place additional orders at any time.
We routinely stock red blood cells, frozen plasma, some clotting factor concentrates, volume expanders and immune globulins. We order platelets and other blood products as needed.
A bag of blood has a 42-day expiry after collection, so we rotate stock and adjust our orders daily to ensure that we do not allow the blood to reach its expiry date before being used. Occasionally we transfer blood products to other hospitals to make sure they are used in time.
“We recognize that each bag of blood was given selflessly by a volunteer donor, and we strive to make each bag count for our patients,” shared Catherine Cotton, former Interim Vice President, Patient Experience & Health Integration.
Choosing Wisely Canada provides recommendations and international guidance to adopt optimal blood usage. For instance, 10 – 15 years ago a standard blood transfusion would be two bags of red cells, but then researched showed that most patients did not need that much blood. In present day, if a transfusion is required, only one bag is given and then the patient is re-evaluated before a decision is made about transfusing a second unit. This reduces unnecessary blood use and is better for patients, because too much blood from transfusion is actually not a good thing.
A recent
Orangeville Banner article noted how fortunate we are in Dufferin to have a dedicated Canadian Blood Services donor base, and our Laboratory team is careful to use each donation to the fullest.
Photo caption: Several members of our Laboratory team.