(4) units of platelets (or one pooled or apheresis bag).This will allow prompt communication from blood bank when the blood product is ready.įor general wards, release will be limited to the following quantities at a time: Complete all fields including your name, clinical area, PTS number (if applicable) and phone number. This will print a release form to the nearest printer. Select the ‘release’ hyperlink for the blood product you wish to transfuse.When ready to transfuse the blood product: If red cells are still required these may be ordered again. If the timer alerts, return the blood box to blood bank. Do not place the blood box near a heater or in a refrigerator. The lid may be opened to quickly inspect the contents but should otherwise remain closed.ĭo not place any equipment or other blood products inside the blood box.Ī maximum of 2 units of RBCs will be placed inside the box. Keep the lid closed at all times to maintain an environment cool enough to keep the RBC’s at a temperature to minimize bacterial growth. The blood box can be issued prior to patient arrivalĭiscuss patients who fall outside of these pre-approved circumstances with the on-call haematologist. Trauma or bleeding where red blood cell transfusion may be needed.Select the blood box in the prepare section of the red cell order.Įxamples of patients who may need a blood box are as follows: The blood box can be requested for patients who are at risk of critical bleeding and red cells are required to be at the bedside “just in case”. The blood box provides a validated, short term (up to 4 hours) storage for red cells at the point of care. If the requirement for albumin changes, it should be returned to blood bank at the earliest convenience. Albumin can be kept at room temperature for a maximum of 24 hours. If circumstances change the fresh blood product must be returned to blood bank for storage. Blood products must not be stored in ward areas or domestic fridges.įresh blood products must be commenced within 30 minutes of leaving the blood bank. This ensures appropriate storage of blood products. the staff member must present with the blood bank release form at the time of collection - do not send the blood bank release form in the PTS separately.īlood products should only be released in EMR and retrieved from blood bank when the transfusion is ready to commence.the only option available for batched blood products but also suitable for fresh blood products.IVIg, albumin, clotting factors) cannot be sent via PTS. red blood cells, platelets, FFP, cryoprecipitate) suitable for fresh blood products only (i.e.
During EMR downtime use the green blood bank release card and attach a patient identification label.īlood products are issued from blood bank in 2 ways: The blood bank release form contains all required patient identification. Blood bank scientists must know they are issuing to the correct patient and require complete patient identification. The safe transfusion of blood and blood products requires strict adherence to patient identification processes during all steps in the transfusion chain, including collecting the product from blood bank. Issue of blood products from the blood bank Video shows the correct blood administration process which should be followed.
Consent for transfusion should then be documented on a blood transfusionįor further information and for parent and patient information see:Ĭonsent and Consumer Information Guideline eg appropriate IV access, consent completed, pre-medication administered if required.įor any non-emergency transfusion the patient/parents should have had the benefits/risks of transfusion discussed and an opportunity to have any questions answered. The patient should be ready for transfusion prior to picking up blood from the blood bank. You can access the package through your Nursing Competence workbook. It is recommended that all nurses at RCH providing care to children receiving blood transfusions have completed the blood transfusion competency package. Refer to EMR tip sheet for further information Nursing competence