- Before prescribing blood components, ask yourself the following questions:
- What improvement in the patient’s condition am I aiming to achieve?
- Can I minimise blood loss to reduce the patient’s need for transfusion?
- Are there other treatments I should give before making the decision to transfuse, such as intravenous replacement fluids, oxygen, iron replacements or other haematinics?
- Has the patient been given a clear explanation of the potential risks and benefits of blood component therapy in his or her particular case?
- Document the transfusion decision rationale based on the Patient Blood Management guidelines and appropriate transfusion practice.
- Check if your patient has given informed consent.
- Complete the blood component prescription and blood request form.
- Collect pretransfusion specimen after accurately confirming patient’s identity.
- Verify that request form and sample carry the same patient identification information.
- The laboratory performs compatibility testing.
- ABO and Rh type
- Antibody screen
- Crossmatching if required
- Check historical records
- In an emergency, Group O neg blood will be issued.
- When the correct blood component is released, check that the patient’s details completely match the identification details on the blood component and compatibility label.
- Follow guidlelines for administration of blood components and monitor patient clinical status.
- If patient has an unexpected transfusion reaction follow the steps below:
- Stop transfusion immediately.
- Check and monitor vital signs.
- Maintain IV access (Do not flush existing line and use new IV line if required).
- Check that the right pack has been given to the right patient.
- Notify the Medical Officer and Transfusion Service Provider.
- Administer therapy appropriate to the adverse event.
11.Assess response
- Assess to determine if desired outcome of transfusion has been achieved
- Assess patient for further blood product transfusion/s as necessary
- Document assessment