Tranfusion Medicine

Common blood products we use in theatre include Albumin and Red Blood cells.

When collecting a blood sample for a “Group and Hold” (aka a pre-transfusion blood sample for compatibility testing), it is the Anaesthetist’s responsibility to complete the labelling of the tube.

A minimum of TWO patient identifiers is required to accept a pre-transfusion sample for compatibility testing.

Platelets are stored at 22C and in special bags. This is to prevent contamination and ensure survival of functioning platelets.

When conducting the ‘Two-person check’ of a blood product prior to administration, the "Double Independent" approach dictates that one professional checks the details and the other agrees/disagrees with what is present.

Calcium should NOT be given in a line transfused with RBC. Normal Saline and Plasmalyte are OK to flush a line transfused with blood products. Platelets should be given in their OWN line and filter.

Fresh Frozen Plasma is indicated in warfarin reversal.

The ‘Rule of Four’ dictates that ALL Blood Products issued for transfusion must be completed within 4 hours of issuing.

If it is an emergency and the patient’s identity is unknown, the ‘two-person check’ is NOT required prior to the administration of blood products.

MTP - If RBC or FFP units are supplied in a sealed, cold ballasted box then the ‘time out of controlled storage’ commences when that seal is broken.