Procedures and rationales for blood transfusion
1. Check the doctor's order and Ensure that the consent form (if required) is signed - Verifies doctor's prescription for blood transfusion and patient's consent
2. See that the patient has a patent g. 18-19 cannula in place - A needle smaller than g.19 may break up red cells
3. Obtain the blood product from the laboratory and initiate transfusion within 30 minutes. In the Laboratory check the following: type of blood product, Client's name, ward and room number, Cross-matching compatibility, Donors blood group, Expiration date and time on blood bag, presence of blood clot - Prevent bacterial growth and destruction of RBC
4. Wash hands and assemble equipment with another nurse - Deters spread of microorganisms and saves time
5. Verify and record the blood product and identify the client with another nurse - For safety 2 nurses must verify the order and match the numbers on the blood component with those of the crossmatching slip. Provides for a double-check, to decrease the risk of error. The blood component must not be transfused after the expiration date. If the unit contains clots, it should be returned to the blood bank or laboratory
6. Don working gloves - Reduces risk of contact with blood borne pathogens
7. Close the clamp of the tube and insert the spike in the port of the blood bag. Invert the blood bag, press the filter chamber, open the clamp and prime. Close the clamp