Clinical audit of the use of fresh-frozen plasma and platelets in a tertiary teaching hospital and the impact of a new transfusion request form

Aim: To carry out an audit of the appropriateness of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) and platelets (Plt) transfusion with reference to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council/Australian Society of Blood Transfusion Clinical Practice Guidelines, and to assess the impact of a self‐educating transfusion request form. Methods: A prospective review of the clinical indications and laboratory data in all transfusion episodes of FFP and Plt occurring in a tertiary teaching hospital in South Australia in two 2‐month periods of the years 2002 and 2003. Results: Reversal of warfarin has emerged as the major indication to transfuse FFP (34%). More than 72% FFP and 88% Plt were prescribed in an appropriate manner, and the majority were monitored adequately. The transfusion request form further improved the appropriate uses and was met with a satisfactory compliance. Further grounds for improvement are in FFP usage by the haematology unit and in cardiac bypass surgery, and Plt by surgical units. Conclusion: Clinical transfusion audit helps to identify current pattern of usage and areas of improvement. A self‐educating transfusion specific request form is also beneficial. (Intern Med J 2004; 35: 283–288)