Which babies get blood in Jos, Nigeria?

Documentation of the transfusion needs of neonatal units is required to guide blood banks in meeting demands. A prospective observational study of newborn transfusions over 35 weeks was conducted. Eighty-four transfusions were conducted in 62 of 377 (16.45%) admitted infants in 35 weeks. Neonatal jaundice (57.2%) and anemia (38.1%) were main indications. In 85.7% cases, blood transfused was < 3 days old. Weight of infants at transfusion was < 2500 g in 51.6% cases. Infants were first transfused at < 7 days in 59.7% cases. Whole blood was used in 64.3% of all cases. Overall transfusion rate was 2.4/week. Neonatal jaundice is the commonest indication for transfusion and whole blood is in greater demand.