Blood Loss Estimation Using Gauze Visual Analogue

Emran Ali Algadiem, Abdulmohsen Ali Aleisa, Huda Ibrahim Alsubaie, Noora Radhi Buhlaiqah, Jihad Bagir Algadeeb, Hussain Ali Alsneini, Emran Ali Algadiem, Abdulmohsen Ali Aleisa, Huda Ibrahim Alsubaie, Noora Radhi Buhlaiqah, Jihad Bagir Algadeeb, Hussain Ali Alsneini

Abstract

Background: Estimating intraoperative blood loss can be a difficult task, especially when blood is mostly absorbed by gauze. In this study, we have provided an improved method for estimating blood absorbed by gauze.

Objectives: To develop a guide to estimate blood absorbed by surgical gauze.

Materials and methods: A clinical experiment was conducted using aspirated blood and common surgical gauze to create a realistic amount of absorbed blood in the gauze. Different percentages of staining were photographed to create an analogue for the amount of blood absorbed by the gauze.

Results: A visual analogue scale was created to aid the estimation of blood absorbed by the gauze. The absorptive capacity of different gauze sizes was determined when the gauze was dripping with blood. The amount of reduction in absorption was also determined when the gauze was wetted with normal saline before use.

Conclusions: The use of a visual analogue may increase the accuracy of blood loss estimation and decrease the consequences related to over or underestimation of blood loss.

Keywords: Absorption; Blood Loss; Surgical, Estimation Techniques.

Figures

Figure 1.. A measured Amount of Blood…
Figure 1.. A measured Amount of Blood Was Spilled to Resemble Bleeding, and a Resident Was Asked to Wipe the Blood
Figure 2.. Supersaturation of Gauze With Blood
Figure 2.. Supersaturation of Gauze With Blood
Figure 3.. Visual Guide for Determining Blood…
Figure 3.. Visual Guide for Determining Blood Loss for Three Different Sizes of Gauze.There was a 25% increase in total absorptive capacity when the gauze was dripping (supersaturated) and a 25% decrease in each category when the gauze was wet.
Figure 4.. Different Pictures From Three Real…
Figure 4.. Different Pictures From Three Real Surgeries Showing the Amount of Blood That Gets Absorbed in Surgical Gauze.Three different sizes of gauze were used intraoperatively with different percentages of soaking. Some of these gauze pieces were wetted with normal saline before use, so the amount of blood absorption would be less.

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