Blood product usage

Abstract

Over the past two decades, researchers have emphasised both the positive and negative effects of blood product usage and highlighted the importance of the identification and management of anaemia. We now have a clearer, although not complete, understanding of rational and appropriate blood product usage, with several guidelines and changes in the strategies for blood product administration. This shift in thinking has included the introduction of ‘Patient Blood Management’ (PBM) – the application of evidence-based practices to optimise patient outcomes by managing and preserving the patient’s own blood. Recently proposed as a potential solution for the South African context, PBM is particularly relevant considering the high prevalence of anaemia in our population, the severe blood product shortages, dwindling blood donor pool, and high demand for blood products.¹