Strategies to Reduce Diagnostic Blood Loss and Anemia in Hospitalized Patients: A Scoping Review

Blood sampling is a recognized contributor to hospital-acquired anemia. We aimed to bundle all published neonatal, pediatric, and adult data regarding clinical interventions to reduce diagnostic blood loss.Four electronic databases were searched for eligible studies from inception until May 2021.Two reviewers independently selected studies, using predefined criteria.One author extracted data, including study design, population, period, intervention type and comparator, and outcome variables (diagnostic blood volume and frequency, anemia, and transfusion).Of 16,132 articles identified, we included 39 trials; 12 (31%) were randomized controlled trials. Among six types of interventions, 27 (69%) studies were conducted in adult patients, six (15%) in children, and six (15%) in neonates. Overall results were heterogeneous. Most studies targeted a transfusion reduction ( n = 28; 72%), followed by reduced blood loss ( n = 24; 62%) and test frequency ( n = 15; 38%). Small volume blood tubes ( n = 7) and blood conservation devices ( n = 9) lead to a significant reduction of blood loss in adults (8/9) and less transfusion of adults (5/8) and neonates (1/1). Point-of-care testing ( n = 6) effectively reduced blood loss (4/4) and transfusion (4/6) in neonates and adults. Bundles including staff education and protocols reduced blood test frequency and volume in adults (7/7) and children (5/5).Evidence on interventions to reduce diagnostic blood loss and associated complications is highly heterogeneous. Blood conservation devices and smaller tubes appear effective in adults, whereas point-of-care testing and bundled interventions including protocols and teaching seem promising in adults and children.