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Blood components are derived from blood donations that are separated into cellular and plasma constituents. Each blood component has specific clinical indications, benefits and potential risk.
Some of the common clinical indications for blood components are blood disorders such as iron deficiency anaemia, thrombocytopenia, platelet function disorders, bleeding disorders, and massive haemorrhage.
This clinical transfusion guide provides an up-to-date summary of transfusion practices and adopts the principles of patient blood management (PBM). The National Blood Authority Patient Blood Management Guidelines and other evidenced-based clinical guidelines provide specific decision support regarding appropriate transfusion practices and the use of blood components.
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Clinical transfusion guidance
Management of critical bleeding
Massive haemorrhage protocols are used in critical bleeding episodes such as trauma, a ruptured aortic aneurysm, surgery and obstetric complications. Management goals include early recognition of blood loss, maintenance of tissue perfusion and oxygenation.
Learn moreWarfarin reversal
Warfarin reversal is commonly used to treat a wide range of thromboembolic disorders. Reversing its effects before invasive procedures, for the management of elevated INR levels and life-threatening bleeding may be required.
Learn moreDirected donations
A 'directed donation' from a donor known to the patient may be used if the recipient has a medical indication, such as a rare blood type and compatible donors are not available. Will not be performed to avoid blood components from donors vaccinated against COVID-19.
Learn moreBlood disorders
Iron deficiency anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a common problem that often goes unrecognised.
Learn morePlatelet disorders
Platelet disorders lead to defects in primary haemostasis and occur as a result of a bone marrow disorders, immune system problems or as a side effect of certain medications.
Learn moreAcquired bleeding disorders
Acquired bleeding disorders are the most common causes of bleeding seen in haematology. They’re a group of conditions in which there is a problem with the body’s clotting process.
Learn moreBleeding disorders
Congenital bleeding disorders occur due to the absence of specific clotting proteins. The three most common disorders include haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency), haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) and von Willebrand disease.
Learn moreHaemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)
Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is an immune-mediated red blood cell disorder. With the appropriate use of immunoprophylaxis, fatal consequences from this disorder have become rare.
Learn moreHigh ferritin
The High Ferritin app allows doctors to determine the eligibility of patients and place referrals to undertake therapeutic venesection at Lifeblood and also provides education on possible causes of high ferritin.
Learn moreUpdated May 2025
Related resources
Blood Component Information: An Extension of Blood Component Labels
Guide
Information Sheet
Further information
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