Statistics regarding the amount of blood transfused
have been generally reliable in many of the
developed countries and at least some data is available
from less developed countries, although the
reliability is in question [3–6]. Some data related
to the total number of red cell units transfused
and the red cell transfusion incident rate is shown
on Table 1. It is evident that even in the developed
world, the transfusion incident rate varies considerably,
without any clear reason for this variation [7].
Studies within the United States have also shown
considerable variation in regional red cell transfusion
incident rates. The next level of transfusion statistics
would be at the state, county or municipal
level, but with the exception of New York state, this
is lacking. Single institution, however, will tabulate
their blood usage, often reporting this data to
accrediting organizations. This kind of data is often
(appropriately) described as blood utilization, but it
is only the beginning point for the analysis of blood
utilization control.