An audit of blood cross-match ordering practices at the Aga Khan University Hospital: first step towards a Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule.

Abstract

In vast majority of elective surgical procedures routine cross match is not necessary. We propose a draft Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS). It provides guidelines for frequently performed elective surgical procedures by recommending the maximum number of units of blood to be cross-matched preoperatively. Implementation of MSBOS will result in about 60% reduction of cost to the patients.