- All transfusions should be monitored in accordance with established guidelines and your DHB blood policy.
- Baseline observations, taken within the 60 minutes before the start of the transfusion: check temperature, pulse, respiration rate and blood pressure.
- Remain in the room or in immediate proximity for the first 15 minutes of the commencement of each unit
- For each unit:Patient observations must be taken and documented on the appropriate forms
- 15 mins after the commencement of each unit
- On completion of each unit
The following observations must be taken- Temperature
- Pulse
- Respiration
- Blood pressure
Observations must be taken more frequently (ie 30 min, hrly)- Medically unstable (eg unconscious, returned from theatre etc)
- Not in an alert, orientated and lucid state of mind
- Shows signs of transfusion reaction
- Not in a clearly visible location
- Does not have, or is unable to use a call bell.
- After each unit: record pulse, blood pressure, respiration rate and temperature and visual observation of the patient's appearance and condition.
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Rate of Infusion and Precautions
- All Blood components (except Platelets and Cryoprecipitate)
should be infused within four hours. If the transfusion of the
component cannot be started immediately, return it to the blood
bank for appropriate storage.
- In the routine setting (i.e. a stable patient), transfuse each unit slowly (up to 50mL/hour) for the first 15 minutes and observe the patient for any adverse reaction. Only increase the rate to the prescribed rate after 15 minutes.
- Never store blood components in the standard ward
refrigerator.
- Paediatric patients should always have doses prescribed in mL, not units. If the prescription is in units, check the volume required in mL, as units vary in volume and there are different types of units (neonatal and adult).
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