Neobook — clinical reference

The current prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in South Africa carries an associated risk of this agent being transmitted via transfusion of donated blood and blood components, despite internationally standardised screening procedures in place at Blood Transfusion Services.
In view of the above-mentioned risks, and in keeping with the patient’s right to self-determination, the Hospital has been advised that blood transfusion requires the explicit, informed consent of the patient.
In obtaining the informed consent for transfusion, the material risk of transmitted infection should be clearly explained to the patient, as well as indications for, and predicted benefits of the intervention.
The patient’s consent (or refusal) should be recorded by means of a written entry in the patient’s file. The entry must be signed and dated by the attending doctor. It is not necessary for the patient to sign a consent form for a blood transfusion.
In circumstances where the patient is not able to provide consent (e.g. life-threatening emergency, comatose patient, unaccompanied minor patient), the decision to proceed with transfusion should be made on clinical grounds alone, and documented in the patient’s file.