Assessment of Quality Control Procedures at the Central Blood Bank of North Kordofan State

Abstract

Background: Blood banks play an important role in the health care system's blood supply, and the goal of quality control methods is to ensure that patients receive safe and efficient blood transfusions while also preventing transfusion-transmitted infections. Improved quality services, leading to safer transfusion methods and fewer unfavorable consequences. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality control procedures at the Central Blood Bank of North Kordofan State. Methodology: This descriptive prospective study was conducted in the central blood bank in El-Obeid, North Kordofan State, from October 2021 to March 2022. The goal of this study is to analyze quality control measures in central blood banks and to provide potential options for improving the quality of blood transfusion services in the state. Results: A total of 400 units of blood components were selected by simple random method. Packed red cell units were evaluated for CBC, pH, unit volume, and blood culture. The results showed: The packed red cells had a mean HCT of 44.1 g/dl, with less than 80% HCT. The mean values for RBC, WBC, MCV, MCH, and MCHC were 5.0 × 10 12 /l, 5.058 × 10 9 /l, 75.2 FL, 27.0 pg, and 28.6 g/dl, respectively. Random donor platelets had a mean yield of 5942.0×109/L, with 73% yielding less than the necessary threshold. Only three (3%) units yielded ≥5.5 × 109/L. The pH was ≥6.2 in 100% of units, with a mean of 7.0 ± 0.0. All plasma units had a volume below the norm (100%). According to the study, the mean factor VIII levels for FFP were 79.3 IU/mL. (90%) of units contain factor VIII in accordance with intended levels, while only 8% have factor VIII below desired levels. The mean fibrinogen level was determined to be 364.8 IU/mL, with 24% having normal fibrinogen levels and 71% having levels higher than the usual range of ≥150 IU/mL. For plasma, the mean PT is 15.2s, which is 55% in agreement with the standard level and 45% higher than the standard level, and the activated prothrombin time mean is 68% in 100 units, which is in agreement with the standard level but only 21% higher. Conclusion: Our investigation revealed a decrease in the levels of QC out of range in the blood component. Such studies are proposed to improve quality measures in western Sudan.