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Research Paper | Medicine Science | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1180 - 1183 | India
Discard Rates and Causes of Discard of Blood and Blood Components at a Tertiary Care Hospital Blood Center: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract: Background: Blood and its components are precious yet perishable resources, making effective utilization essential for optimal healthcare delivery. Despite advances in transfusion medicine, the discard of blood components continues to be a significant challenge owing to transfusion-transmissible infections (TTIs), short shelf life, leakage, hemolysis, and under-collection. Understanding the root causes of discard is vital to minimize wastage and improve patient outcomes. Aim: To evaluate the discard rate of whole blood and its components and to analyze the reasons for discard at a tertiary care hospital blood center. Methodology: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at the Trauma Blood Center, SMS Medical College & Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, covering the period from 1st November 2024 to 30th April 2025. A total of 20,699 blood components prepared during this period were analyzed for discard patterns and causes. Results: Out of 20,699 components prepared, 2,353 were discarded, yielding an overall discard rate of 11.4%. Primary causes included platelet expiry (1,907 units; 9.2%), punctured/leaked Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) (162 units; 0.8%), hemolysis of Packed Red Blood Cells (PRBC) (84 units; 0.4%), and insufficient quantity in whole blood (76 units; 0.4%). TTI positivity accounted for 124 discarded units: HBsAg (91; 73.4%), HCV (26; 21.0%), HIV (6; 4.8%), and VDRL (1; 0.8%). Conclusion: Platelet expiry and TTI positivity were the leading contributors to component discard. Implementation of stricter donor screening protocols, enhanced inventory management, adoption of apheresis for platelet collection, and systematic staff training are recommended to significantly reduce discard rates and improve overall blood utilization.
Keywords: Blood discard, blood components, transfusion-transmissible infections, wastage management, platelet expiry, blood bank, inventory management
How to Cite?: Dr. Moullik Pachori, Dr. P Pachori, Dr Sharukh, "Discard Rates and Causes of Discard of Blood and Blood Components at a Tertiary Care Hospital Blood Center: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1180-1183, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26714120416, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26714120416