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Platelet Transfusion
Blood Transfusion
Management of Transfusion Reactions
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Blood Transfusion
Last updated 21st August 2024
Requesting Blood and Blood Components
- Request forms must be completed prior to obtaining the sample.
- See reverse of blood transfusion request form for more detailed advice on the mandatory requirements for the completion of the request form and requesting of blood and blood components.
- Positive patient Identification is vital at every stage of the transfusion process. Misidentification of the patient may lead to an ABO Incompatible transfusion.
- Transfusion request form MUST comply with patient identification minimum data set: Patient’s full name (forename & surname);CHI number/hospital number (CHI should be used as main patient Identifier); Date of Birth; Gender
- All further fields on the transfusion request form must be completed including signature of person obtaining sample.
- Please provide detailed clinical Information on request form, which will assist the laboratory in processing your request.
Special Requirements
- If patient known to have atypical blood group antibodies e.g. anti-Duffy, anti-Kell, send transfusion sample to the Blood Bank ASAP to allow for the provision of compatible blood. PLEASE NOTE: sample may be sent to Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) Gartnaval Hospital, Glasgow to be processed which will further delay the provision of compatible blood.
- CMV negative components should be requested for elective transfusion during pregnancy (excluding delivery), intrauterine transfusion and for transfusion of neonates.
- Immunosuppressed patients on a bone marrow transplant programme may require irradiated blood. Please ensure this requirement is requested on transfusion request form.
- Multi-transfused patients with history of non-specific transfusion reaction may require washed/filtered red cells. Please contact Blood Bank for further advice on Ext 33454
Sampling
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We have a 2 sample policy for crossmatching blood. This is a measure recommended in the BCSH guidelines on pretransfusion testing to reduce the risk of wrong blood in tube incidents and minimise the risk of ABO incompatible blood transfusions. This policy applies only to individuals with no historical blood group who require crossmatched blood. The policy is as follows:
- All inpatients MUST have an identification band in place prior to obtaining sample.
- Verbal Identification whenever possible MUST be obtained from the patient by asking the patient an open question ‘Can you tell me your full name and date of birth?’
- In compromised patients or those unable to confirm own identify please confirm patients identity with a member of staff or relative.
- Patient identification details MUST be checked and confirmed with transfusion request form and patient identification band.
- Do NOT use patient ID labels on sample tubes. Sample tubes must be handwritten once sample has been obtained & beside the patient
Acute Blood Loss/Use of O Negative Blood
- Accurate assessment of transfusion requirements is vital in the event of acute blood loss or major haemorrhage.
- O neg and O pos blood kept for extreme emergencies in blood fridge. Give O pos in Females ≥50 & Males >18. O neg in Females <50.
- In less urgent situations, ABO/Rh group specific/compatible blood will be available within 15-30min of receipt of a 7.5ml EDTA sample. Fully crossmatched blood can be available in approximately 30min if no alloantibodies are detected.
- If you take uncrossmatched O neg blood from blood bank, inform BLOOD BANK IMMEDIATELY.
- Please refer to Major Haemorrhage Protocol Please Click Here for the Major Haemorrhage Protocol
Group and Save (G&S) Request
- Blood is tested to determine ABO and Rh type and to detect red cell antibodies. A 7.5ml blue EDTA red sample tube is required
Crossmatch Request
- Patients blood is tested:
- As with G & S but confirmation of compatibility will be determined and compatible units will be reserved for Individual patient. For Crossmatch sample 7.5ml ETDA sample tube Is required
- To transform a G & S sample to a crossmatch contact blood bank for further advice
- For Neonates, there is no specific blood transfusion tube available, therefore, acceptable to send an adult FBC tube (handwritten as per guidelines) or a paediatric FBC specimen.
- For surgical procedures please adhere to local Maximum Surgical Blood Ordering Schedule (MSBOS). Please click here for the MSBOS [Avabilable on NHSD&G Networked Computers ONLY]
Administration of Blood and Blood Components
- Please refer to the National Transfusion Policy (Check on Beacon – Hyperlink to follow)
Links
- Handbook page on Management of Transfusion Reactions
- National Blood Transfusion Policy [pdf]
- Beacon Blood Transfusion Documentation Section [NHSD&G Networked Computers ONLY]
- National Transfusion Record [pdf]
- Blood Transfusion Service Patient Information Leaflet [pdf]
- “Blood Assist” App Flyer – What’s it all about? [pdf]