Participation in proficiency programs and promotion of quality in transfusion services of Minas Gerais

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study aimed at identifying associations between the participation of transfusion services in immunohematology external quality control programs and their accuracy in immunohematology testing and adaptation to technical and legal operational procedures.MethodsFrom 2007 to 2009, a cross-sectional study was conducted in 219 transfusion services of the State of Minas Gerais who participated in this investigation by responding to a questionnaire and conducting a proficiency test comprising: ABO and RhD phenotyping, irregular RBC antibody screening and cross-matching. Frequencies and bivariate analysis followed by binary logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.ResultsTransfusion services who participated in external quality control programs (32.4%) and those that did not (67.6%) obtained worrying error percentages in proficiency tests which may significantly increase blood transfusion risks. Shortfalls related to the establishment of protocols, standards and internal quality control were also significant. On comparing the two groups, transfusion services that participated in these programs had a 2.35 times higher chance of correct results in the proficiency panel testing, a 3.16 higher chance of having transfusional records and a 2.81 higher chance of performing preventive maintenance of equipment.ConclusionThe study showed that independent factors associated to participation in external quality control programs suggest that more investment in internal quality control procedures is necessary and that more attention should be paid to current legislation.

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

“…IQCs play a vital role in blood transfusion safety, and risks allied with blood transfusion can be substantially reduced by the implementation of IQC. [ 11 ]…”

Internal quality control of blood & blood components - Two years study at a standalone blood centre, Ahmedabad

“…IQCs play a vital role in blood transfusion safety, and risks allied with blood transfusion can be substantially reduced by the implementation of IQC. 8 Our present work is only an analysis improved IQC in blood products and its methods need to be studied furthermore.…”

Comments on the participation in proficiency programs and promotion of quality in transfusion services of Minas Gerais

“…The data presented in the paper by Ferreira et al ( 1 ) clearly shows the value of proficiency programs. However, it is surprising to verify that a large number of laboratories were able to operate despite erroneous results in proficiency testing.…”

“…The paper by Ferreira et al published in this issue of the Revista Brasileira de Hematologia e Hemoterapia ( 1 ) provides one of the rare quantitative assessments of the value of test results in external proficiency programs as indicators of quality in transfusion services. Essentially, services that participated in proficiency programs in Minas Gerais had significantly better performance on important immunohematology procedures than services that did not participate.…”