Assessment of Blood Transfusion Practices in Emergency Surgery at National Hospital Abuja

Blood transfusion is an essential resource in emergency surgical care, yet irrational transfusion practices continue to pose patient safety risks including transfusion reactions and bloodborne disease transmission. This study assesses current blood transfusion practices in the emergency surgical unit of National Hospital Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, North Central Nigeria, during 2022 to 2023. A retrospective audit of 190 surgical patients who received blood transfusion was conducted. Variables reviewed included preoperative haemoglobin levels, indication for transfusion, number of units transfused, cross-matching procedures, and documented transfusion reactions. Compliance with national blood transfusion guidelines was evaluated. Findings indicate that 29% of transfusions were administered with preoperative haemoglobin above 8 g/dL, suggesting over-transfusion in a significant subset of cases. Cross-match procedures were properly documented in 81% of cases, but informed consent for transfusion was recorded in only 63%. Febrile non-haemolytic reactions were the most common adverse events. The study recommends implementing patient blood management protocols, training surgical and nursing staff in transfusion triggers, and strengthening haemovigilance systems at National Hospital Abuja. Wider adoption of restrictive transfusion thresholds aligned with current evidence is essential to optimize blood product use in the FCT. Keywords: blood transfusion, emergency surgery, haemovigilance, National Hospital Abuja, patient safety