Neobook — clinical reference

All information must be read out aloud. Two qualified health care workers perform checks.
Visually inspect the component / unit for any defects, leakage, abnormal colour, clots and expiry dates.
Crosscheck the information (barcode, patient name, blood group) on the unit against the information on the issue / delivery note.
Verify the ABO, Rh and information from previous transfusions again.
Recheck the units / delivery note against the physician’s order / prescription.
Report any abnormalities to the treating physician and blood bank immediately. Return the units to the blood bank. Do not transfuse the units.
Verify whether the patient is receiving autologous or directed units. These units must be transfused before allogeneic units.

Misdirected transfusions (and their often fatal consequences) are preventable through proper patient identification.

Check patient’s wristband and verbally ask the patient for their name, surname and date of birth.
Check patient hospital records (nurses and doctors notes).
Check doctor’s orders.
Cross check the patient’s details on the unit and the blood form.
Check the patient’s details on the transfusion therapy card.
Check previous transfusion records.

In order to recognise a transfusion reaction you need to know what your patient’s condition was before starting the transfusion.

All Pre-transfusion observations must be recorded in the patient’s file.
Verbally enquire how your patient is feeling: e.g. headache, back pain, abdominal pain, dyspnoea, etc.
Visually observe for signs and symptoms present in your patient: e.g. rigors, congested neck veins, dyspnoea, bleeding / oozing at wound / operation sites, etc.
Record vital signs: BP, pulse, respiration rate, temperature, urine output, CVP reading.

Navigation to a safe Blood Transfusion - Updated August 2023