Assessment of blood bank and transfusion services is a Quality System Essential which requires a well developed strategy for data collection and the analysis of the data. The importance of blood ordering and utilization assessment through monitoring and audits are not only critical in patient outcome but also is needed in management of limited resources. While ordering of blood products is the responsibility of the physician the ordering and utilization of blood products can be greatly influenced by the medical guidance from the blood bank or transfusion service. This audioconference will provide principles of audits including data collection, measurement thresholds that trigger an audit, analysis of data, and process improvement. Case studies will be discussed.