Reducing blood wastage through introduction of a transfusion team.

Background: In the intense setting of reception and resuscitation of critically bleeding patients, wastage of up to 10% of blood components occur, commonly due to prolonged breaks in the cold chain. Additionally, some transfusions may be avoidable. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of dedicated transfusion teams (staff focused solely on blood handling during resuscitation) on blood component wastage and transfusion volumes.