Quantitative Blood Loss (QBL) Obviates the Need for Postpartum Day 1 Complete Blood Count in Uncomplicated Vaginal Deliveries - Abstract
Objective: Obtaining a complete blood count (CBC) on postpartum day 1 (PPD1) is common to identify postpartum anemia. With many providers now measuring quantitative blood loss (QBL) instead of estimated, our study shows that the clinical utility of routine PPD1 CBC collection has decreased and is costly for uncomplicated vaginal deliveries when starting hematocrit (Hct) is ?35 and QBL <1000cc.
Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted on spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVDs) from 1/1/2021 to 1/31/2022 at a level IV maternity center at an academic institution. Exclusion criteria included: QBL ?1000mL, starting Hct <35, or no documented QBL. Patients were categorized based on QBL: <500mL, 501-749mL, and 750-999mL. Pre- and post-QBL Hct values were compared.
Results: The total number of deliveries was 2427, with 1253 meeting inclusion criteria. Among these, 922 had QBL <500mL, 240 had QBL 501-749mL, and 91 had QBL 750-999mL. The difference between pre- and post-QBL Hct levels was positively correlated with increased QBL, r = 0.22, p < 0.001. One patient in the 750-999mL group received a transfusion for symptomatic anemia, with hemoglobin >7 and hematocrit >21. The cost of a PPD1 CBC was $70; total cost for included deliveries was $87,710.
Conclusion: Routine PPD1 CBC in patients with starting Hct ?35 lacks clinical utility for QBL <750mL, has limited utility for QBL 750-999mL, and incurs financial costs. Eliminating PPD1 CBC is recommended for QBL <750mL and should be considered for QBL 750-999mL