Evaluation of Blood Product Wastage Rates and Causes

Abstract

Objective: Blood and blood components are valuable therapeutic products, particularly in pediatric settings where transfusion demand is variable and often urgent. Minimizing blood product wastage is essential to protect limited resources and ensure patient safety. The aim was to determine the rate, causes, and clinical distribution of blood product wastage in a tertiary pediatric hospital over a 1-year period.

Methods: This retrospective descriptive study reviewed all red blood cell concentrates (RBCC), apheresis platelet concentrates (APC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and cryoprecipitate processed in 2018. Wastage was defined as any allocated but unused unit that became unsuitable for transfusion. Reasons for discard and requesting clinical departments were analyzed.

Results: A total of 9 750 components were prepared; 73 (0.75%) were discarded. The wastage rates were RBCC 0.38%, APC 0.54%, FFP 1.8%, and cryoprecipitate 0.6%. The leading discard cause was expiration of shelf life (44%), followed by inappropriate requests (7%) and technical issues such as leakage or hemolysis (6%). Intensive care and emergency units accounted for the highest proportion of wastage.

Conclusion: Although the overall wastage rate was low, most losses were preventable. Implementing real-time electronic inventory tools, clinician education, and improved ordering–transfusion synchronization may further reduce wastage and enhance transfusion safety in pediatric care.

Cite this article as: Tahta N, Oymak Y, Ayhan FY, et al. Evaluation of blood product wastage rates and causes. Cerrahpaşa Med J 2026, 50, 0087, doi: 10.5152/cjm.2026.25087.