Evaluating the effect of tariff on wastage and return of blood products in Kerman province.

BACKGROUND: In Iran blood products had been available to health care centers on free order to reduce the wastage they were tariffed in 2016. Thus, health care centers must pay for the blood products and take back the payment from the insurance. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the tariff on consumption, wastage and return rates of blood products in health care centers in Kerman province.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, demand, delivery and return rates of blood products (fresh frozen plasma, red blood cell and platelet) were examined in 23 health care centers and hospitals before and after the tariff.

RESULTS: After the tariff in 2016, the return of unused units of fresh frozen plasma and platelet to the blood transfusion organization was increased and the increase was not statistically significant, but a significant increase was observed in red blood cell return rate and return/delivery ratio.

CONCLUSION: Fresh frozen plasma and platelet return rates increased after the tariff resulting in less wastage of unused products but were not statistically meaningful. Tariff was highly effective on the wastage and return of red blood cell therefore it can be considered as a sparing action in the management of red blood cell.