A novel approach to improving efficiency and cost saving in preoperative blood preparation

Abstract

Background: Preoperative ordering of blood products has been an area of optimization due to considerable variability among physicians; overpreparation can lead to extra costs and underpreparation of blood can potentially compromise patient safety.

Study design and methods: We examined the potential cost savings of extending the storage interval of a presurgical type-and-screen sample from 7 to 14 days, thereby reducing the need for a new specimen on the day of surgery.

Results: Sensitivity analysis showed annual cost savings for our institution to be an estimated $38,770 ($22,420-$73,120).

Conclusion: These results are even more robust when incorporating the additional potential savings from improved operating room efficiency.