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
Blood storage
• Awareness of blood stored in designated blood fridge
• Awareness of temperature regulation for blood safety
• Awareness of different storage types for different components
• Discuss local protocol for storage and safe handling of blood components and products
Rationale
All staff managing patients having a blood transfusion require education in in how to store components and products safely
Links to resources (where available)
Transporting Blood - BloodSafe eLearning Australia (bloodsafelearning.org.au)
Key Points
Blood collection
• Blood available when required for transfusion
• Follow local process for blood collection
• Correct blood collected for the patient
• Time from collection to administration
• Include maximum transfusion time and time out of storage
Rationale
• Collecting the right blood for the patient reduces the risk of transfusion delays
• Collecting the right blood reduces the risk of it being given to the wrong the patient
• Collecting the right blood reduces the blood from being wasted as being out of temperature for too long (based on local cold chain management rules)
Links to resources (where available)
Chapters
1. Starting with the donor/safe blood
3. Blood administration
