Introduction of point-of-care ROTEM testing in the emergency department of an Australian level 1 trauma centre and its effect on blood product use

Objective: To assess whether the introduction of point-of-care rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) analysis influences blood product transfusion and coagulation management in a modern Australian level 1 trauma centre. Methods: Retrospective blood transfusion data collection from all level 1 trauma patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >12 presenting to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 2016 and 2018. Evaluation of changes in blood product administration with the addition of point-of-care viscoelastic testing in the ED in 2018. Results: A total of 774 patients were analysed with 380 in 2016 and 394 in 2018. Almost a quarter of all 2018 trauma patients (93/394) had ROTEM performed within 24 h of ED arrival, 42% of these having an ISS >25. There was a significant increase in the number of patients receiving cryoprecipitate following the introduction of ROTEM (P = 0.01). In those receiving cryoprecipitate, there was a significant reduction in subsequent platelet and fresh frozen plasma use (P < 0.001). Overall, there was a reduction in expenditure on red cells, platelets and fresh frozen plasma from 2016 to 2018. Conclusion: Point-of-care ROTEM was performed in a small proportion of patients, mainly those with a higher ISS. ROTEM introduction in the ED altered blood product transfusion practices for major trauma patients with an ISS >12, leading to a potentially safer transfusion strategy and cost savings for key blood products.