National Comparative Audit

What is the National Comparative Audit?

The National Comparative Audit of Blood Transfusion (NCABT) is a programme of clinical audits which looks at the use and administration of blood and blood components in NHS and independent hospitals in England. We also invite participation from the blood services in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

The objective of the programme is to provide evidence blood is being ordered and used appropriately, administered safely, to highlight where practice is deviating from guidelines to the possible detriment of patient care.

The programme has been in operation since 2003 and is funded entirely by NHS Blood and Transplant through the blood pricing mechanism, and is one of the largest independently funded audit programmes in the UK. No charge is made to UK hospitals participating in it.

If you would like to sign up for alerts about the programme please send an email to NCA@nhsbt.nhs.uk with the subject NCA alerts and include your name, job title and organisation.

Page last reviewed: 9 January 2026