Key points
Consent
• Patient consent- for transfusion
• The medical professional must get valid consent for blood transfusions and record it in the patient's clinical file.
• When feasible, make sure to have a shared decision-making discussion with the patient (or parent, guardian, or advocate, if applicable), and make sure this is included in the patient's care record.
Rationale
A patient's legitimate consent must be obtained prior to treatment, as per standard legal and ethical principles.
Links to resources (where available)
Key points
Pre-transfusion sample taking
• Positive patient identification using at least 4* patient identifiers (*or as set locally)
• Equipment available before venepuncture commences
• To not interrupt critical tasks
• Risks of wrong blood in tube events
• Correct sample labelling of tube
Rationale
• Safe sample labelling reduces the risk of it being rejected by the laboratory (due to poor labelling)
• Safe sample labelling reduces the risk of a wrong blood in tube and the patient receiving a possibly fatal ABO mismatched transfusion
Key points
Positive patient identification
• Right patient right blood
• Patient identification band in place
• Blood order reviewed
• Patient consent taken (if applicable)
• Patient in an observable location
• Check patient ABO & RhD
• ABO bedside test (if applicable)
• Overview of the residents role in transfusion including positive patient identification and safe administration
• Sampling by residents especially difficult ones and of neonates
Rationale
Ensuring these checks are part of the administration process reduces the risk of the patient receiving a wrong blood transfusion – essential to be done by a resident and nursing staff.
Key points
Blood transfusion observations
Residents should be aware that patient pre transfusion observations must be recorded by staff administering the transfusion. These include heart rate, blood pressure & temperature.
Rationale
In the event of an adverse even post transfusion the patient has baseline observations pre transfusion documented
Links to resources (where available)
Chapters
Essentials of blood transfusion teaching feedback questionnaire
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