Internal quality control of blood products: An experience from a tertiary care hospital blood bank from Southern Pakistan.

INTRODUCTION: Internal quality control (IQC) is the backbone of quality assurance program. In blood banking, the quality control of blood products ensures the timely availability of a blood component of high quality with maximum efficacy and minimal risk to potential recipients. The main objective of this study is to analyze the IQC of blood products as an indicator of our blood bank performance. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the blood bank of Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, from January 2014 to December 2015. A total of 100 units of each blood components were arbitrarily chosen during the study. Packed red cell units were evaluated for hematocrit (HCT); random platelet concentrates were evaluated for pH, yield, and culture; fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate (CP) were evaluated for unit volume, factor VIII, and fibrinogen concentrations. RESULTS: A total of 400 units were tested for IQC. The mean HCT of packed red cells was 69.5 +/- 7.24, and in 98% units, it met the standard (< 80% of HCT). The mean platelet yield was 8.8 +/- 3.40 x 10(9)/L and pH was >= 6.2 in 98% bags; cultures were negative in 97% of units tested. Mean factor VIII and fibrinogen levels were found to be 84.24 +/- 15.01 and 247.17 +/- 49.69 for FFP, respectively. For CP, mean factor VIII and fibrinogen level were found to be 178.75 +/- 86.30 and 420.7 +/- 75.32, respectively. CONCLUSION: The IQC of blood products at our blood bank is in overall compliance and met recommended international standards. Implementation of standard operating procedures, accomplishment of standard guidelines, proper documentation with regular audit, and staff competencies can improve the quality performance of the transfusion services.