Key points
Positive patient identification
• Right patient right blood
• Patient identification band in place
• Bood order reviewed
• Patient consent taken (if applicable)
• Patient in an observable location
• Check patient ABO & RhD
• ABO bedside test (if applicable)
Rationale
• Ensuring these checks are part of the administration process reduces the risk of the patient receiving a wrong blood transfusion
• Consider a bedside tick checklist for nurses to use for safe administration
Links to resources (where available)
Clinical Transfusion Practice - BloodSafe eLearning Australia (bloodsafelearning.org.au)
Transfusion checklist | Lifeblood
Guidelines for the administration of blood products 2nd Edition (anzsbt.org.au)
TP Posters | The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) (isbtweb.org)
Key points
Blood transfusion observations
• Take and document patient observations
• These must be taken before the transfusion has started (e.g. within 30 minutes)
• 0bservations required set locally (should include heart rate, blood pressure & temperature)
Rationale
In the event of an adverse even the patient has baseline observations documented
Links to resources (where available)
Key points
Transfusion equipment
• Correct giving set for blood & blood components
• Blood infusion pump if used
• Patent IV access
• Clean non touch technique to connect transfusion to patient cannula
Rationale
Knowledge of equipment required reduces risk of transfusion delays or blood wastage
Links to resources (where available)
Blood Book: Australian Blood Administration Handbook: Resource library | Lifeblood
Chapters
2. Pre-transfusion
4. Post-transfusion
