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Matthew Hazell

Oct 22, 2026, 17:10

Matthew Hazell: Optimizing the Use of Rare Red Blood Cell Units

Matthew Hazell, Consultant Clinical Scientist at NHS Blood and Transplant, shared a post on LinkedIn:

”A slightly different AABB 2026 update… this time it was my turn to present!

Really pleased to have presented our poster in Atlanta:

‘Reducing Inappropriate Utilization of Rare Red Blood Cell Inventory Through a Pilot Governance Framework’

Rare red cell units are an incredibly valuable and finite resource. Earlier work within NHS Blood and Transplant identified opportunities to improve how some of these units were being requested, allocated and managed.

Rather than simply accepting that as a stock management problem, we redesigned the pathway. We introduced clearer governance, consultant approval triggers, structured clinical discussion, revised processes and targeted staff education.

And the pilot produced some encouraging results:

62 rare red cell units issued during the evaluation period
56 percent transfused to the intended patient, improving from less than 40 percent previously
No units issued outside accepted policy
25 units successfully reallocated through approved pathways
Process risk score reduced from 38 to 21, a 45 percent reduction
Improvements in staff knowledge, process understanding and confidence

For me, the important message is that stewardship of rare blood isn’t simply about having enough units in the refrigerator.

It is about having the governance, clinical oversight, education and processes around those units to make sure that an exceptionally scarce resource is available for the patient who genuinely needs it.

It was great to have the opportunity to share the work internationally at AABB and to discuss how we can continue strengthening rare blood inventory management and resilience.

And, of course, particularly nice to finally stand next to the poster after all the work that went into getting it there!”

Matthew Hazell: Optimizing the Use of Rare Red Blood Cell Units