QS138 Quality Insights updated to reflect NICE TXA eligibility changes to QS138 Quality Standard

In February 2026, NICE updated their NG24 guidance, recommending broader use of tranexamic acid (TXA). The associated QS138 Quality Statement 2 also changed, removing the previous expected blood loss criterion. 

Quality Statement 2 now assesses whether adults having surgery in an operating theatre where there is any risk of bleeding and the procedure breaches the skin or mucous membrane receive TXA. 

Read the updated quality standard 

To reflect this change, our QS138 Quality Insights quality improvement tool has been updated, reflected on our data entry platform and printable compliance reports. An interim addendum to the QS138 Quality Insights' hospital user guide has been published, with updated advice on audit population selection. 

Read the QS138 Quality Insights interim addendum 

Anwen Davies - Patient Blood Management Practitioner, Patient Blood Management