Abstract
Background: To detect transfusion-transmitted viral infection, a blood test is performed 2-3 months after blood transfusion. Basically, this post-transfusion-transmitted infection test is promoted by informing patients about the test when the transfusion therapy procedure is explained. In addition, our institution uses two ways to provide the clinical physician concerned with information about the patient's transfusion history for possible further post-transfusion testing. The first is using the record of the patient concerned, and the second is using an alert signal function in the electronic medical record.
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of the two ways of providing information for post-transfusion testing.
Method: Patients transfused between January 2008 and September 2011 were studied (6,647 patients). The period was divided into three terms. The first term covered the time before patient records were transmitted. The second term covered the time during which patient records were transmitted, when relevant data from approximately two months after the blood transfusion were sent to the clinical physician every month. The third term covered the time when the electronic alert system was used as part of the electronic medical record. The rates of testing viral infection after blood transfusion were then calculated.
Results: The following rates of post transfusion testing for viral infection were obtained. HBV+HCV Test: First term, 21.6%; second term, 22.2%; third term, 39.7%. HBV+HCV+HIV Test: First term, 7.0%; second term, 8.2%; third term, 31.2%.
Conclusion: The alert system in the electronic medical record is effective for enhancing the rate of transfusion-related viral infection test administration.
