Effectiveness of a protocol to improve transfusion practice in knee replacement surgery

Background and Objectives The available guidelines on red cell transfusion are not clearly defined and therefore have had only a modest impact on tran sfusion practice. The aims of this study were to assess the rate of complia nce with a transfusion algorithm and its effect on transfusion practice. Materials and Methods A prospective observational study was carried out on 101 patients who underwent primary elective total knee replacement surgery. Results Only 30% of the patients were transfused. An overall compliance rat e of 77% was achieved with the transfusion algorithm. Conclusion A transfusion algorithm, together with staff education, is effec tive in reducing both the number of patients transfused and inappropriate t ransfusions.