Telangana blood banks waste 6,274 units in three years
Telangana: Blood donated with the belief that it saves lives is ending up wasted in blood banks across Telangana, failing to reach patients in need.
A study conducted by Index Medical College, Indore, across 50 blood banks in the state has revealed a steady rise in blood wastage over the past three years.
Wastage rises year after year
The study found that blood wastage increased from 11.7% in 2022 to 11.8% in 2023, and further to 13.3% in 2024. In total, 6,274 units of blood were wasted during this period.
The situation was most alarming in 2024 alone, when 2,292 units were discarded, the highest in the three-year span.
Platelets, plasma most affected
Out of 56,000 units ordered, blood banks received only 44,000 units, with a significant portion going waste. Platelets and plasma accounted for most of the wastage, primarily due to expiry dates being crossed.
The study noted that unnecessary advance orders and excessive caution by doctors contributed to the problem, resulting in surplus stocks that could not be utilised in time.
Management lapses add to losses
The report pointed out that simple clerical errors such as incorrect blood group labelling and wrong patient identification were also leading to avoidable wastage.
Despite the availability of online dashboards, the absence of a strong network to transfer surplus blood from one hospital to another facing shortages has worsened the situation. Experts said these systems remain largely ornamental.
Medical experts stressed that strict implementation of the first-in, first-out principle and tighter blood management practices are essential to curb wastage and ensure donated blood reaches patients who need it most.
