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The transfusion process for the safe administration of blood products has a number of important steps that need to be followed including:
- decision to transfuse and informed consent
- prescription and request for transfusion
- pretransfusion sample collection and compatibility testing
- blood collection and delivery
- administration
- monitoring and observation, and
- documentation and traceability.
Each of these steps requires high-level communication skills across the health disciplines and with the patient to ensure safe and appropriate transfusion happens consistently.
Local health services must have a policy and guideline to assist safe processes within their organisations.
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Decision to transfuse and informed consent
The decision to transfuse a patient must be based on a thorough clinical assessment considering the individual’s needs. They must also be fully informed about the potential benefits and risks.
Learn morePrescription and request for transfusion
The prescription is the documented authorisation to administer the blood component or product, and is a critical part of safe and appropriate transfusion practice.
Learn morePretransfusion sample collection and compatibility testing
To avoid transfusion mistakes, a correctly labelled pretransfusion blood sample must be collected from the intended recipient.
Learn moreBlood collection and delivery
Appropriate checking procedures when collecting blood components reduces the risk of transfusion of the wrong component to the wrong patient.
Learn moreAdministration
The last step of the transfusion process to ensure the right component is transfused to the right patient.
Learn moreMonitoring and Observation
Frequent visual observations and monitoring of vital signs during transfusion are essential to identify signs of reactions or adverse events.
Learn moreDocumentation and Traceability
Clear documentation of transfusions allows accurate review of records when required. There is a requirement that all blood donations can be traced from the donor to the final fate of the blood component or fractionated product.
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