Haemostatic Blood Component Utilisation at the Central Blood Bank of Tobruk, Libya, 2022–June 2026: A Retrospective Analysis of Platelet Concentrates, Fresh Frozen Plasma and Cryoprecipitate

Abstract

Monitoring the utilisation of platelet concentrates, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate is important for blood-component planning, inventory control and transfusion stewardship, particularly in resource-limited settings. The Objective of this study is to describe preparation and issue patterns for platelet concentrates, FFP, and cryoprecipitate at the Central Blood Bank of Tobruk, eastern Libya, from 2022 to June 2026. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted using institutional statistical reports for 2022–2025 and January–June 2026. We calculated annual component totals, year-on-year changes, coefficients of variation, linear trends, and issue rates. During 2022–2025, 11,490 units were issued: 7,063 platelet units (61.5%), 4,254 FFP units (37.0%), and 173 cryoprecipitate units (1.5%). Platelet issue increased from 1,477 units in 2022 to 2,147 in 2024, then fell to 1,530 in 2025. Recorded platelet issue rates were below 50% in 2023–2025, while FFP and cryoprecipitate issue rates exceeded 100% in 2024, an administrative artefact of carryover stock prepared in previous years, not over-issuance.  Between January and June 2026, a further 1,529 units were issued, bringing the overall study total to 13,019 units. Platelets were the predominant non-red-cell component issued, while cryoprecipitate use was low and highly variable. Improved inventory reporting, demand forecasting, and indication-based audits are needed.