SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

DEPT. OF NURSING AND PATIENT SERVICES

POLICY NUMBER: BA-P-004

CATEGORY: Blood
Administration –
Phlebotomy
DATE: April 2009
NEXT REVIEW DATE: April 2010

TITLE: BLOOD PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION PROTOCOL

PURPOSE: To ensure safe administration of blood and blood products by

delineating processes for:
• Prescribing & Ordering
• Administering, Patient Monitoring & Reactions
• Specimen Collecting & Labeling
• Transport, Handling & Satellite Storage
• Dispensing & Infusion Devices
• Special Requirements, Risks & Products

POLICY STATEMENTS:

I. Written, informed consent is required for transfusion of blood products, except in emergency
situations.
II. A physician's order is required for administration of all blood products (whole blood, packed
cells, platelets, plasma and cryoprecipitate). The order must include the indication(s) for use
of any blood product ordered (see SUF Form #15-0373-0 Physician’s Order for Transfusion
Service).
III. Patients must have a blood identification band at the time of specimen collection for
crossmatch and for blood product administration.
IV. Two clinical care providers (CCP) must verify patient identification using two patient
identifiers (patient name and MR#). Verification must take place in the presence of the
patient at the time the blood band is applied and the specimen is obtained. Documentation
of verification must accompany specimen to Blood Bank (BB) for acceptance.
V. The Blood Identification Band is to be completed in handwriting in the presence of the
patient.
VI. Two individuals, one of whom must be the transfuser, must verify all blood products prior to
transfusion. Those verifying must be comprised of at least an RN, ECMO specialist, PA or
MD.
VII. If the unit has been verified and transfusion has not been immediately initiated or the
verification process is interrupted, the unit verification process must be repeated.
VIII. Blood products must be administered only by an RN, ECMO Specialist, PA, or MD.
IX. An LPN who has successfully completed the competency for blood administration:
A. may not initiate a blood product transfusion,
B. may monitor the blood product transfusion under the direction of an RN,
C. may verify blood product only with an RN.
X. Only blood bank monitored refrigerators in the ICUs can be used for the storage of blood
products when a delay of emergent transfusion greater than 15 minutes would impact
patient outcome. Use of medication or any other refrigerator is unacceptable.

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 XI. “Satellite Refrigerator Sign-out” logs will be used by the satellite areas to assist in ensuring
tracking and quality control of refrigerated blood products in satellite refrigerators to meet
compliance.
XII. Quality assurance monitoring of satellite blood bank refrigerators is the responsibility of the
hospital blood bank, which includes: removal of expired blood products, outdated cross-
matches, overstocked blood products, monitoring the alarm systems & temperature, and
cleanliness of the refrigerator.
XIII. All blood will be administered using a standard blood administration set. Each
administration set may be used for a maximum of 4 hours. A maximum of 2 units in a 4-
hour period can be used with the same blood set.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

I. Ordering (See Appendix A)

A. Obtain an order from the MD. See Appendix A.
B. An order for T & S or cross match should not be confused as an order for transfusion
i. All orders for Blood Bank tests/blood products are to be entered into the computer
via HIS/OAS Gold.
C. Verify patient consent for transfusion of blood products is on record.
i. Physician notification is necessary if consent is not available on the medical record.
D. Verify order for transfusion is on record. Order must include:
i. Type of blood component.
ii. Amount of blood component to be transfused.
iii. Indications for transfusion.
iv. Product attributes if needed (special requirements):
a. Irradiated
b. Leuko-reduced
c. Washed
d. CMV negative
v. Pre-transfusion medications, if appropriate.
vi. Priority for blood product:
a. STAT (45 minutes)
b. Routine
c. ASAP (2-4 hours)
d. Timed (specified time)
e. In life-threatening situations: Emergency orders for uncrossed-matched red cells
are to be placed in HIS/OAS Gold.

II. Collecting & Labeling Initial Specimen for Compatibility Testing (See Appendix B)

A. Initial Type & Cross or Type & Screen Process:

i. Verify the patient’s identity with the patient, if possible, and patient’s hospital
identification band for name and medical record number. See Core Policy CP2.51
Bloodbands, Collection of Specimen for Pre-Transfusion Compatibility Testing for
Shands Healthcare policy on blood ID bands.
• Addressograph labels & serum-separated tubes are not acceptable for
compatibility testing.
ii. In the presence of the patient, hand-write on the blood ID band, the following
information:
a. Patient’s full name: first and last initial.
b. Medical l record number.

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 2 of 35

 c. Date & time specimen drawn.
d. Initials of collector and 2nd CCP.
iii. For application of blood band:
a. Two CCPs shall verify the patient identification with information written on blood
band.
b. Both verifiers will sign the verification form and initial the blood band and initial
the specimen at the time of collection.
iv. Place blood ID band on the patient’s wrist and close to secure. See exemption
criteria..
a. Exemption criteria for placing Blood Bank ID band on wrist:
1. ICU (Isolets).
2. Burn patients (bed).
3. Patients with severe skin conditions.
4. Patients who may disrupt the integrity of the Blood Band, such as
toddlers, developmentally delayed, etc.
5. Pre-surgical outpatients requiring a disinfectant scrub before
admission.
6. Outpatient areas where multiple blood products are given over several
months.
v. Obtain the blood specimen and mix by inverting the tube several times.
a. Minimum Specimen Requirements:
1. Routine:
• Adult 1, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (Pink)
• Peds 1, 3-5 mL EDTA lab tube (Lavender)
• Cord 1, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (Pink)
2. Liver Transplant:
• Adult 2, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (Pink)
• Peds 1, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (Pink)
vi. Attach hand-written label from Blood bank ID band to the blood sample tube prior to
leaving patient’s bedside or presence.
vii. Document specimen labeling process by completing Transfusion Specimen Time-
Out Verification Form with signatures and employee ID# of both CCPs. See
Appendix C.
viii. The white copy of the specimen verification form must be sent with the specimen to
the Blood Bank for the specimen to be accepted for testing.
ix. Place yellow NCR copy of the specimen verification form in the patient medical
record (Transfusion tab).
x. Educate the patient or guardian regarding the blood ID band or give them a copy of
Appendix D.
xi. Neonatal specimens are valid for four months. When the infant reaches four months,
or is discharged, the specimen must be obtained every three days.
xii. For non-neonatal patients, specimens are valid for three days

III. Collecting & Labeling Subsequent Specimen for Compatibility Testing (after initial
Banding)

A. Subsequent Type & Cross or Type & Screen Process:

i. Patient has current Blood Bank ID band.
ii. Verify the patient’s name and medical record number on Blood Blank ID Band
compared to patient armband.

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 iii. At patient’s bedside hand-write the following information on the generic label or
computer generated barcode label:
a. Patient’s full name: last, first & middle initial.
b. Medical Record Number.
c. Date & time specimen drawn.
d. Initials of collector.
e. Blood bank ID number (sticker may be used, if available).
iv. Label the appropriate tube with the completed generic blood bank specimen label or
computer generated barcode label prior to leaving patient’s bedside or presence.
v. Obtain the blood specimen and mix by inverting the tube several times.
• Blood Bank ID band is valid for the duration of the hospitalization or until
band is illegible.
B. Re-banding patient:
1. Notify blood bank prior to removing multiple or illegible blood bank ID
band, or if the ID band is lost.
2. Two individuals are required to verify patient and specimen
identification, if re-banding is needed.
3. If the Blood Bank ID is cut off, for example during surgery, it is
acceptable to re-attach the Blood ID band to a blank hospital band.
The band must be placed on the patient by personnel involved in the
removal of the original BBID band.
4. Check bedside rail & chart if Blood Bank ID band is not attached to
patients meeting the exemption criteria above.
ii. Blood Bank will notify unit if specimen cannot be accepted and redraw is needed.

IV. Other Blood Bank Diagnostic Tests (see Appendix E for specifics)

A. Blood Bank tests (no BBID# required):

i. Type and Screen (diagnostic)
a. One, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (PINK)
1. Type & Screen - Diagnostic Only - generally used for Prenatals, Pre-ops
greater than 3 days in advance of surgery and for transplant evaluations - not
used for transfusion purposes.
ii. Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT):
a. One, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (PINK)
iii. ABO/Rh confirmation
a. One, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (PINK)
1. ABO & Rh Confirmation - to be used for 2nd blood type and must be drawn
separately. It is generally requested by the transplant group as required by
UNOS or by Blood Bank for new patients with no previous blood type on
record.
iv. Cord blood work-ups:
a. One full 6mL EDTA lab tube (PINK)
b. Cord blood must be obtained at the mother’s bedside at time of delivery.
c. Attach white “cord blood” label to the specimen with the following information:
1. Mother’s full name (last, first, & middle initial).
2. Mother’s medical record number.
3. Circle male or female.
4. Baby’s medical record number, when assigned.
5. Date & time collected.
6. Collector’s initials.

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 1. Cord Blood Workup - cord blood samples also require verification by
two individuals, one of whom obtained the specimen.
2. If ambiguous sex, write “Baby” and notify blood bank.
3. An EDTA purple top tube may be substituted for the pink top in
pediatric draws if 1.5 ml pink top not available.
v. Platelet antibody test:
a. Call Blood Bank to pre-schedule.
b. 1, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (PINK)
• Platelet Antibody Test -Specimen requirements may differ – Call Blood
Bank first.

V. Dispensing (See Appendix F)

A. Verify that there is a physician's order to transfuse.

B. Verify that informed consent for transfusion obtained and in the patient's chart.
C. Verify that patient is afebrile and has adequate IV access.
i. Blood should not be requested until adequate IV access is secured.
D. Complete “Blood Bank Dispense Form” to initiate release of blood products (see
Appendix F). Remember to include the ordering MD's number on the dispense slip.
E. Send dispense slip via courier or pneumatic tube.
i. http://intranet.shands.org/shandslab/shandsUF/bloodbank/dispensingbp.htm
ii. Outpatient dispense slips must include the tracking # and faxed to the blood bank
(fax #265-0320). See Appendix F for example.
F. Release of blood products via internal courier.
i. Courier verifies patient information on blood tag with dispense form.
ii. Blood products released as requested, if no discrepancies noted.
iii. Discrepancies are resolved prior to releasing blood products.
a. One unit of blood product will be dispensed from the Blood Bank at a time,
unless there is access to a monitored satellite blood bank refrigerator.
G. Release of blood products via the pneumatic tube system:
i. Retain white copy of dispense form to track requested products. Discard after
product received.
ii. Send pink & yellow copies of dispense form to Blood Bank via pneumatic tube
system.
iii. Blood Bank sends requested blood products (2 units maximum per dispense slip to
areas with Satellite Blood Bank refrigerators) along with pink copy of dispense form.
iv. Unit staff (clerical or nursing) verifies that blood tag on unit sent matches the
information the retained white copy of the dispense form.
v. Sign the pink form and include the date & time blood products received on floor.
vi. Return pink slip to Blood Bank immediately (within 15 minutes) of receiving blood
products.
vii. Notify patient's RN that blood products have been received and are available for
transfusion.
viii. Return blood to Blood Bank immediately when the blood product will not be
transfused within 30 minutes of receipt and product is still intact (not spiked).
1. Only one (1) bag of product will be dispensed at a time.
2. In a medical emergency, 2 or more units may be released in a cooler with a
conditional release form to areas without a satellite refrigerator.
3. Multiple units of cryo or platelets are generally processed into one bag.
4. Syringes with needles are not dispensed via pneumatic tube.

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 5. Blood infusion sets for platelets will be dispensed by the blood bank at the
time platelets are released for administration.
6. Red blood cells are not to be outside of a Blood Bank monitored refrigerator
(1-10°C) for more than 30 minutes.

VI. Pre-transfusion Verification

A. Verify that there is a physician’s order to TRANSFUSE.

B. Check for presence of written informed consent.
C. Check for the presence of a Blood Bank ID band on the patient.
D. Verify the type and cross (date and time) has not expired (top right corner of blood tag
on product will show specimen expiration date).
E. Check I.V. for patency.
i. Use large bore catheter to prevent lysis of RBCs:
ii. no smaller than 26 gauge for peds or 22 gauge for adults.
F. Complete pre-transfusion assessment and document vital signs prior to transfusion:
i. Temperature
ii. Pulse
iii. B/P
iv. Respirations
G. Administer pre-medication, if ordered, prior to administration of blood products..
H. Two licensed professionals (RN, MD, ECMO, specialist, PA, LPN – Note: LPN may
only verify with an RN), one of whom must be the transfuser, must complete the
following in the presence of the patient prior to transfusion: (In the out-patient areas, clip
the BBID band on the patient after verifying pt's name and MR#).
i. Verify name and MR# on patient’s hospital and Blood Bank ID bands are identical to
name, MR# and BBID# on blood product tag.
ii. Verify that the product name, donor number, ABO blood group and Rh type on the
blood product container are identical to the blood product tag.
iii. Verify that the ABO blood group and Rh type on the container is compatible with the
patient. *See Appendix G.
iv. Verify specific attributes of blood products meet the patient’s special needs, i.e. CMV
negative, irradiated, washed, leuko-reduced, autologous, direct donor, etc.
v. Verify the date on the blood product container has not expired and that the product
appears normal.
vi. Blood Bank ID band numbers will not be present on the blood tag for the following
products:
a. Plasma
b. Platelets
c. Cryoprecipitate, and
d. Group O packed cells for children under 4 months of age
I. If a discrepancy is noted, do not administer the blood product & notify blood bank
immediately.
J. Both licensed professionals must sign the blood tag, verifying that all information is
correct & accurate. See Appendix I.
K. If the unit has been verified and transfusion has not been immediately initiated or the
verification process is interrupted, the unit verification process must be repeated.
L. Record START date and time of transfusion on blood tag.
M. Record blood product number from blood bag on Intake and Output section of flow-sheet
or computerized chart. Remove white label from back of unit if available and place on
flow-sheet or computerized chart.

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 N. Special Situations
i. If BBID band could not be placed on an in-patient but was secured to inside front
cover of blue-back chart, the blood ID band must be taken into the patient’s room for
verification before blood administration
ii. If an extraordinary situation exists and the blood ID bracelet is not placed on the wrist
of an out-patient but given to them, they must be instructed to place the blood ID on
their wrist before arriving to the hospital on the day of the transfusion or the RN is to
clip the BBID band on to the patient prior to infusion.
iii. In outpatient areas where blood products are given over several months, the blood
band is kept in the chart. Before the patient is transfused, two CCP (one a licensed
person) must verify the patient’s identity with a name and MR number or name and
birthday and attach the blood band to the patient. After the transfusion, the blood
band is returned to the chart.
iv. If patient has received a Bone Marrow Transplant in the past year, the patient’s blood
type may have changed. Please notify the Blood Bank for clarification if discrepancy
is discovered. Pt’s HLA type may change sooner than blood type. See Appendix H
for BMT patients.
v. Expiration time will only be found on label of products that have an expiration of less
than 24 hours or on products that were modified in an opensystem in the Blood Bank
(ie pooled, thawed or washed).
vi. If blood types do not match, Blood Bank must indicate on blood tag acceptable
procedure for administration. If this is not complete, do not administer blood until
Blood Bank resolves discrepancy.

VII. Administration

A. Blood Administration Set (tubing - see Appendix J & Infusion Devices section below for
more details):
i. All blood products must be administered through a standard infusion set (150-280
micron filter screen).
ii. Prime blood tubing with NS only.
iii. Blood tubing may be used for 2 consecutive units of red blood cells or plasma in
routine use.
iv. Tubing must be changed at least every 4 hours.
v. Platelets should be administered via the tubing available on the unit or in clinic.
vi. Blood may be administered via IV pump.
a. AABB Standard 5.19.10 “With the exception of 0.9% sodium chloride (USP),
drugs, or medications shall not be added to blood or components unless one of
the following conditions are met:
1. They have been approved for this use by the FDA.
2. There is documentation available to show that the addition is safe and
does not adversely affect the blood or component.”
B. Initiating Transfusions: (Note: LPN may not initiate blood product transfusions.)
i. Check the pt ID band one more time just prior to releasing the flow control clamp.
ii. Begin the infusion slowly.
iii. Record start date and time of transfusion on blood tag.
iv. Monitor vital signs prior to blood transfusion, 15 minutes into transfusion, then after
15 minutes and observe patient for reaction.
a. Transfuser must stay with the patient for the first 5 minutes to observe for
reaction.

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 v. If vital signs are stable and no reaction noted, increase rate of transfusion to
prescribed rate.
vi. Increase transfusion to prescribed rate after 15 minutes, if no reaction is observed.
vii. Monitor VS every hour during transfusion and one hour after transfusion complete.
(Note: LPN’s may monitor the blood product transfusion.)
a. Vitals include:
1. Temperature
2. Pulse
3. Blood pressure
4. Respirations
viii. All identification attached to the unit must remain attached until the transfusion is
completed.
C. Completed Transfusions:
i. Flush IV with NS if necessary.
ii. Record transfusion STOP time* and check the appropriate box to document whether
or not an adverse transfusion reaction was observed**.
a. See Transfusion Tag on Appendix I.
b. *Mark the appropriate box if transfusions occurred during a massive transfusion
(MTP) or rapid infusion (multiple units in less than 1 hour) situation.
c. **Mild reaction: hives, rash, erythema, and itching disappear within 30 mins
following treatment with antihistamines.
iii. Place completed blood product tag (chart - top copy) in the progress notes of the
patient’s chart.
iv. Return the completed blood product tag (back copy) to Blood Bank immediately after
transfusion.
v. Record post-transfusion vital signs on the flowsheet or computerized chart one hour
after transfusion.
vi. Record time and volume of transfusion on I & O section of flowsheet or computerized
chart.

VIII. Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Transfusion Reactions: (see Appendix K)

A. Monitor patient for signs & symptoms of a transfusion reaction such as:
i. Fever, with or without chills
ii. Heat at the infusion site and along vein
iii. Flushing
iv. Hives, rash, erythema, itching
v. Dyspnea or shortness of breath
vi. Increase in blood pressure (>50mmHg)
vii. Abdominal pain or nausea
viii. Rigors, lumbar pain
ix. Anxiety, chest pain, flank pain
x. Hypotension
xi. Unexplained bleeding, blood in urine
B. If the patient develops signs & symptoms of a transfusion reaction:
i. Stop transfusion
ii. Keep IV open with NS
iii. Verify correct unit was given to correct patient
iv. Document patient re-verification on the back of the blood tag by checking the box
and initialing the appropriate spot.
v. Notify attending physician and blood bank

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 vi. Request transfusion reaction investigation work-up in the HIS/OAS Gold system.
C. Report ALL suspected transfusion reactions to the Blood Bank and complete a patient
Patient Safety Report on-line.
D. Out-patients that have been transfused should be given written instructions to include:
(See Appendix L)
i. signs & symptoms of an adverse reaction to transfusion
ii. contact person information and phone number.
E. Special Situations
i. STOP transfusion immediately if product is given to the wrong patient even if no
signs & symptoms of a transfusion reaction are observed. Notify MD/Service
immediately and keep the line open with NS until resolved.
ii. If there is a discrepancy between blood product tag and patient, DO NOT re-start
transfusion. Notify Blood Bank and MD immediately. This is a life- threatening
emergency!
iii. BMT patients commonly experience rigors. However, rigors during or immediately
following transfusions (especially platelets) must be investigated to rule out bacterial
contamination as the cause for rigors.

IX. Immediate Life-threatening Transfusion Reactions (See Appendix K) (back to top)

A. Monitor patient for symptoms of acute hemolytic or life threatening reactions:

i. Respiratory distress/arrest
ii. Unexplained bleeding
iii. Chills, fever, dyspnea
iv. Hypotension
v. Cardiac arrest
vi. Flank pain
vii. Chest pain
viii. Shock
ix. Blood in urine
B. STOP transfusion
C. Keep IV open with NS
D. Verify correct unit was given to correct patient.
E. STAT page physician(s) or activate Code Blue system depending on patient’s clinical
status.
F. Request transfusion reaction investigation in HIS/OAS Gold.
i. See back of transfusion tag in Appendix I
ii. Therapeutic Measures:
a. Initiate basic resuscitation measures: airway, breathing, compressions, etc.
b. Administer Epinephrine, Benadryl, and/or steroids, as ordered.
c. Medical therapies to reverse shock.

X. Transfusion Reaction Investigation (back to top)

A. Keep blood product bag/syringe and administration set intact and place in biohazard
bag.
B. Collect blood and urine samples then send with blood unit and administration set to
Blood Bank for all other symptoms other than hives & itching.
i. Obtain specimens:
a. Adults: 1, 6 mL EDTA lab tube (Pink) and 1, 7 mL (Red) lab tube (no serum
separator)

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 b. Infants/Neonates: 1, 3 mL EDTA (Purple) lab tube and 1, 2 mL (Red) lab tube
c. Urine specimen
C. Checked box on front of blood tag and sign indicating adverse reaction observed.
D. Complete information on back of blood product tag.
E. Send hard tag copy (back copy) to Blood Bank immediately.
F. Request transfusion reaction work-up in the Blood Bank Order Screen in the HIS/OAS
Gold system.
G. Document reaction on Daily Flow sheet or computerized chart.
H. Call Blood Bank prior to the initiation of any further blood products.

XI. Transporting Blood Products (refer to blood transport module) (back to top)

A. Transporter
i. Do not transport blood while eating, drinking or smoking.
ii. Follow Universal Precautions.
iii. Provide patient’s Name and MR# to Blood Bank (BB) upon arrival to ensure that the
right blood is transported.
iv. Show ID badge to BB staff.
v. Take blood product directly to the patient care-giver that dispatched you.
vi. Use the shortest route to/from the BB and the patient care location.
vii. Deliver blood product quickly but safely (less than 5min).
viii. Do not leave blood products unattended.
ix. Transport blood in the appropriate container (biohazard bag or designated blood
transport box/cooler).
x. Keep transport container lid tightly closed.
xi. Never place Platelet or Cryo blood products in the same transport container as Red
Cells and Plasma.
xii. Return cooler, coolant and temperature monitor to the Blood Bank.
xiii. Return blood issued in a biohazard bag if transfusion not started within 30 minutes.
xiv. Return cooler for replacement coolant if cooler in use for more than 2 hours.
B. Receiver
i. Keep transport container lid tightly closed.
ii. Never place Platelet or Cryo blood products in the same transport container as Red
Cells and Plasma.
iii. Return blood issued in a biohazard bag if transfusion not started within 30 minutes.
iv. Return cooler for replacement coolant if cooler in use for more than 2 hours.
v. Return cooler, coolant, temperature monitor and all unused blood products to the
Blood Bank immediately following the crisis ¨Return cooler and its contents if the
temperature monitor beads are mobile (cooler is no longer cold).
C. Policy: The temperature of blood and blood components transported to customers must
be maintained within the limits prescribed in the AABB standards 5.1.8.
i. Proper Transport Temperatures:
a. Cold – Red Cells & Plasma (1º-10ºC)
b. Room Temp – Platelets & Cryo (20º-24ºC)
ii. Maximum Storage Time in Transport Container:
a. Cooler or Blood Box – 4 hrs
b. Biohazard bag – 30 minutes

XII. Transport of Blood Products via Cooler

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 A. In emergent situations, multiple units will be issued to an area that does not have a
monitored refrigerator in a cooler with a temperature indicator and ample ice.
B. Properly Packed Transport Container for: Red Cells and Plasma
i. Blood product on the bottom layer.
ii. Absorbent towel or paper above the blood.
iii. Coolant or chipped ice in a bag above the towel.
iv. Temperature monitor beads in lower corner of transport.
v. Tightly closed lid container.
C. Cooler may be obtained from the Blood Bank. Replace ice packs every 2 hours.
D. Prior to administering blood products from a cooler, the temperature indicator must be
inspected:
i. Satisfactory inspection – Indicator is solid and beads are stationary – may transfuse
blood product.
ii. Unsatisfactory inspection – Indicator is liquid and beads are mobile – DO NOT
transfuse blood product.
E. Document temperature indicator status on the blue card located in or on the cooler.
F. Return the card and cooler to the Blood Bank,

XIII. Handling of Products after Leaving Blood Bank (back to top)

A. Blood products should be administered as soon as possible.

B. If unable to start infusing red blood cells immediately, return the unit to the Blood Bank if
unit is still intact.
C. All blood products must be completely transfused within 4 hours of leaving blood bank
storage and being spiked (entered).
i. For aliquots placed in syringes, the syringe expires four hours form the time the
syringe is prepared, not when the administration begins.
D. Transfusion must cease when a blood products has not been completely infused within
the 4 hr period.
E. Discarded remaining product in a biohazard receptacle.
F. Red blood cells and plasma should not remain at room temperature.
G. Platelets and cryoprecipitate are NOT refrigerated.
H. Platelets and leukocytes should not be infused with a micro-aggregate filter (less than 40
um).
I. Pediatric and Neonatal blood products arriving in a syringe for administration via a
syringe pump have been pre-filtered by the Blood Bank (if labeled as such) and do not
require additional filtering to administer.
J. Blood products spiked on the floor cannot be returned to the Blood Bank for re-issue.
The unit must be transfused within 4 hours of being spiked or discarded.
i. A full unit of packed red blood cells can warm to a temperature greater than 10°C in
approximately 30 minutes. A partial unit in less time.
K. Returned blood products can only be re-issued to the floor after determination by the
blood bank that the product was maintained at the appropriate temperature and intact.
L. Special Situations
i. If a unit is spiked and discarded without being transfused, the Blood Bank is to be
notified.
ii. Blood for the days surgical cases is issued, picked up by the PST and placed in the
OR refrigerator by 0700.
iii. Blood not used for the surgical procedure are to be immediately returned to the blood
bank at the end of the case. Blood bank would then determine if the retuned product
is still suitable for use.

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 11 of 35

XIV. Storage of Blood Product in Satellite Refrigerator (back to top)

A. Any refrigerated blood product that has been out of a Blood Bank monitored refrigerator
for greater than 30 minutes must be returned to the main blood bank for proper
evaluation and disposal if necessary.
B. The following blood bank monitored refrigerators may be used to store blood products:
i. PICU
ii. CICU
iii. OR
iv. SICU
v. BICU
vi. ER
vii. Cancer Center Lab
C. Nursing or clerical staff may sign-in or sign-out blood products from the satellite
refrigerators.
D. Record the following information on the sign-out log to place blood products in the
satellite refrigerator.
i. Date and time placed in refrigerator.
ii. Recipient name and MR#.
iii. Component type.
iv. Donor number.
v. Appearance of beads, in cooler, if applicable.
E. To remove blood products from the satellite refrigerator for transfusion, record the
following information adjacent to the corresponding documented donor number on the
sign-out log:
i. Date and time product removed.
ii. Signature of staff removing blood product.
F. Blood products may be returned to the satellite refrigerator only if the product has been
out of the refrigerator less than 30 minutes, or properly stored in a cooler and maintained
between 1-10ºC.
G. To return unused blood products to the satellite refrigerator, record the following
information adjacent to the corresponding donor number on the sign-out log:
i. Signature of staff returning blood product.
ii. Date and time returned.
iii. Appearance of beads in cooler, if applicable.
H. Blood Bank staff removes expired blood products and products assigned to patients with
expired Type & Screen from the satellite refrigerators nightly.
I. Additional Information
i. It is the responsibility of the unit staff or PST to sign blood in on the “Satellite
Refrigerator Sign-out” log designated for each refrigerator.
ii. Never refrigerate Platelets, Platelet Pheresis, Cryoprecipitate or Leukocytes.
iii. In cases of pediatric split products that have been entered, write the date and time
entered on the unit label.
iv. Return unit(s) to the Blood Bank if:
a. Temperature beads are mobile.
b. Unit out of refrigerator greater than 30 minutes.
c. Temperature is greater than 10ºC.
v. Aliquotting or repeat entry into a unit on the floor is unacceptable. Aliquotting must be
performed in the blood bank under appropriate conditions.
vi. All blood products expire within 4 hours of being entered on the floor.

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 12 of 35

XV.Blood Infusion Equipment & Devices (see Appendix J)

A. Blood Administration Sets

i. Blood components must be infused through administration sets designed specifically
for this use.
ii. The set usually contains a 150-280 micron filter designed to trap fibrin clots and
other debris that accumulate during blood storage.
iii. Most standard filters have a four-unit maximum capacity. (Check the manufacturer’s
instructions.)
iv. If the first unit requires greater than 4 hours for infusion, the filter should not be
reused.
v. Tubing is available in two basic configurations, straight & y-type.
vi. Obtain blood administration sets from Hospital Stores.
B. Straight Tubing
i. Usually has a medication injection site a few inches from the needle.
ii. If an adverse reaction develops, a “keep-vein-open” saline drip initiated at this site
will maintain IV patency but avoid exposure to the 30 to 50 mL of blood remaining in
the tubing and filter.
C. Y-Type Tubing
i. Simplifies the process of adding normal saline to red cells.
ii. Provides ready access to a saline flush if the transfusion must be interrupted
D. Leukocyte Reduction Filters (bedside or lab)
i. Recommended to decrease the risk of certain transfusion complications.
ii. Bedside filters are not used at Shands UF.
iii. Filtration is performed in the blood bank prior to release of blood product.
iv. Improper use of a blood filter can significantly compromise desired results and may
lead to negative patient outcome.
E. Infusion Devices
i. Infusion devices are used to regulate and monitor the flow of blood and intravenous
solutions.
a. Infusion Controllers monitor flow by gravity and may be used with all blood
components if they are designed to function with opaque solutions.
b. Infusion Pumps deliver solutions under pressure and may cause red cell
hemolysis due to negative pressure exerted by their peristaltic or syringe-like
cassette action.
c. If the blood component or product contains a significant number of red cells, the
manufacturer should be consulted before using an infusion pump designated for
use with crystalloid and colloid solutions.
d. Hemolysis caused by use of an infusion pump may be worsen by other factors
such as the length of tubing; needle gauge; diameter of tubing; blood unit age;
type of filter; temperature; infusion rate or viscosity.
F. Manual Pressure Cuffs
i. Used to increase red cell flow rate.
ii. Pressure should not exceed 300 mm Hg.
iii. Standard BP cuffs should not be used for this purpose because they do not exert
uniform pressure against all parts of the bag.
G. Blood Warmers
i. Blood warmers may be used to prevent hypothermia that can be induced by rapid
infusion of large volumes of cold blood.

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 13 of 35

 ii. Blood Bank assigns a special requirement for the use of a blood warmer to the
transfusion record of patients with clinically significant cold reacting antibodies.
iii. Blood Bank only provides blood warmers for patients with antibodies that react at
temperatures under 37°C.
iv. Blood warmers for all other clinical situations are provided by central supply.
v. Care must be taken to use only those blood -warming devices that have been tested
and approved for use with blood components. Check the manufacture's instructions
vi. Clinical Situations Indicating Possible Use of a Warmer:
a. Neonatal exchange transfusion
b. Plasma exchange
c. Surgery
d. Trauma
e. Cold agglutinin disease
vii. Limitations of Conventional Blood Warmers
a. The rate of infusion can be impeded by the additional tubing and blood
warming bags required for conventional warming devices.
b. Blood warmers require substantial priming volumes, making them inappropriate
for small-volume transfusions.
H. Special Requirements, Risks, Products (See Appendix M)
a. Indications for Transfusion.
b. Recommended doses for adults & peds.
c. Indications for ordering Special Attributes:
• CMV negative products
• Irradiated products
• Leuko-reduced (filtered) products
• Washed products
ii. Risks of Transfusion (see Appendix N).
iii. Time Required to Prepare Products (see Appendix O).
iv. List of Blood Products Available (see 2 pages of Appendix P).
v. See Appendix M for guidelines on when filtered products are recommended.

KEYWORDS: labeling, patient ID band, crossmatch, hang time, transfusion, blood component

REFERENCES:

American Association of Blood Banks Standards, current edition http://www.aabb.org/content

http://www.jcaho.org, “Sentinel Event Alert, Blood Transfusion Errors: Preventing Future
Occurrences,” (1999)
Shands Laboratories Website
http://intranet.shands.org/shandslab/shandsUF/bloodbank/bloodbank.htm
Nettine, S. (2001) The Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice (7th Edition). “Transfusion therapy
and blood and marrow stem cell transplantation,” Pages 893-897.
Wooldridge-King, M. (2001). “Blood and blood component administration,” AACN Procedure
Manual for Critical Care, 4th Ed.: 757-764. W.B. Saunders Co.

SIGNATURES:

_________________________________________

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 14 of 35

 _________________________________________

_________________________________________

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 15 of 35

 APPENDIX A - Blood Order Form (back to section or top)

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 16 of 35

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
DEPT. OF NURSING AND PATIENT SERVICES

APPENDIX B Proper Labeling of Blood Bank Specimen

http://intranet.shands.org/shandslab/shandsUF/bloodbank/bloodbank.htm
(back to section or top)
Initial Type & Cross or Type & Screen Labeling Example

Cord Blood Label Sample Labeling Example

Subsequent Type & Cross or Type & Screen Labeling Example

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 17 of 35

 APPENDIX C - Blood Bank Specimen Time-Out Verification Form
(back to section or top)

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 18 of 35

 APPENDIX D
Out-patient Blood ID Armband Policy Card
(back to section or top)

Do Not remove your blood ID bracelet!

Your physician has ordered a blood test before you have surgery. When your blood sample is
drawn, you will receive a blood identification bracelet that will be placed on your wrist.

This blood ID bracelet has a unique number on it that will be used to identify special blood
products in case you need a blood transfusion during surgery or after. Keep wearing this
bracelet, even if you are not scheduled for surgery for another three days.

If you remove your blood ID bracelet, we will have to re-draw your blood, give you a
new bracelet and re-test your blood – all of which will be charged to you.

So please do not take off your blood ID bracelet. Your cooperation with this safety
measure is appreciated.

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 19 of 35

 APPENDIX E - OTHER BLOOD BANK
TESTS
(back to section or top)
1.

Type & Screen (Diagnostic Only) - generally used for Prenatals, Pre-ops greater than 3days in
advance of surgery and for transplant evaluations. In these cases, transfusion within 3 days is not the
primary goal. This test will be used to determine if there will be a problem finding units for possible
future transfusions. No BBID band required.

Prenatal Antibody Screen – see Type & Screen (Diagnostic Only)

ABO & Rh Confirmation - to be used for 2nd type (generally requested by transplant group or Blood
Bank).

Phenotype/Antigen Type – generally ordered by OB and Sickle Cell Program

Antibody Titer/Isohemaglutinin Titer – generally ordered by OB and transplant program

Pink Top Tube for Blood Bank

(Purple acceptable if no pink available and for pediatric draws)

Type & Screen (Blood ID Band required)

Type & Screen with Units (Blood ID Band required)
ABO & Rh
Direct Coombs (DAT)
Antibody Titer
Isohemaglutinin Titer
Neonatal Evaluation
Rh Immune Globulin Evaluation (RhoGam Workup)
Type & Screen (Diagnostic Only – No BBID required)
Platelet Antibodies
Transfusion Reaction Investigation (pink & red top – Not Serum
Separator Tube)

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 20 of 35

 APPENDIX F – DISPENSE SLIP
(back to section or top)

Create an out-patient tracking number by using the delivery location prefix*, the current date and the
patient’s initials. Ex: #INF092605SMG for a unit going to the infusion center for patient Sally M. Gator.
This number (not the patient name or MR# - for HIPAA reasons) is given to the courier or driver. When
the driver arrives with the tracking number, it is compared to the tracking number on the faxed dispense
slip or the already packaged transport box/cooler.

*Prefixes for out-patient/non SUF locations

INF – Shands Infusion Center PED – Peds Med Plaza
LOH – Live Oak Hospital LSH – LakeShore Hospital
SRH – Shands Rehab AGH – Shands at AGH
FSC – Florida Surgical Center

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 21 of 35

APPENDIX G.

ABO & Rh Compatibility Chart for Routine Patient Population

(back to section or top)

Blood Type Compatibility Chart
Blood Type of Donor Can Be for…
Recipient Red Cells Plasma Whole Blood
O+ O+ or O- O; A; B or AB; any Rh O+ or O-
O- O- O; A; B or AB; any Rh O-
A+ A+; A-; O+ or O- A or AB; any Rh A+ or A-
A- A- or O- A or AB; any Rh A-
B+ B+; B-; O+ or O- B or AB; any Rh B+ or B-
B- B- or O- B or AB; any Rh B-
AB+ AB+; AB-; A+; A-; AB; any Rh AB+ or AB-
B+; B-; O+ or O-
AB- AB-; A-; B- or O- AB; any Rh AB-

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 22 of 35

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
DEPT. OF NURSING AND PATIENT SERVICES

APPENDIX H: ABO/Rh Compatibility Chart for ABO Incompatible Bone Marrow Transplant Patient Population
(back to section or top)
To be followed post transplant & until documented ABO/Rh conversion occurs.
ACCEPTABLE
PATIENT'S ABO (Listed in order of preference)
Donor ABO Packed Cells FFP & #Cryo Platelets
Pack all plasma ABO incompatible
O A $O any Rh A, AB A, *AB, !O, *!B
O B $O any Rh B, AB B, *AB, !O, *!A
O AB $O any Rh AB AB, !A, !B, !O
A O $O any Rh A, AB A, *AB, !O, *!B
A B $O any RH AB *AB, !A, !B, !O
A AB $A, $O any Rh AB AB, !A, !B, !O
B O $O any Rh B, AB B, *AB, !O, *!A
B A $O any Rh AB *AB, !B, !A, !O
B AB $B, $O any Rh AB AB, !B, !A, !O
AB O $O any Rh AB AB, !A, !B, !O
AB A $A, $O any Rh AB AB, !A, !B, !O
AB B $B, $O any Rh AB AB, !B, !A, !O
Patient's Rh Donor's Rh
pos pos any Rh any Rh any Rh
neg neg neg any Rh 1st neg 2nd *pos
pos neg neg any Rh 1st neg 2nd *pos
neg pos neg any Rh 1st neg 2nd pos

*Red cell free $Washed !Packed (low titer) #Type specific should be given if AB not available

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 23 of 35

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

APPENDIX I - Transfusion Tag

(back to section or top)
Front

Back

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 24 of 35 24

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

APPENDIX I - Close up of back of the Transfusion Tag (back to section

or top)

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 25 of 35 25

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
APPENDIX J – BLOOD ADMINISTRATION SOLUTIONS &
DEVICES
(back to section or top)
ADMINISTRATION OF BLOOD PRODUCTS
I. Informed Consent for Blood Transfusions on file.
II. Positive Identification, at the bedside, of the
Recipient and the Designated Blood Unit to be
Transfused is Essential and Required.
III. Compatibility of Red Blood Cells with IV Solutions:
1. Use 0.9% Sodium Chloride for Injection, USP.
2. DO NOT use 5% Dextrose solutions (may induce
hemolysis)
3. DO NOT use Lactated Ringer’s (contains Ca**
which may induce clot formation in the blood bag
and/or administration set).
4. DO NOT add medications to blood or infusion set
5. Plasma (type compatible) or albumin (5%) are
acceptable in special circumstances.
IV. Blood Filters. ALL BLOOD COMPONENTS MUST
BE INFUSED THROUGH A FILTER. Refer to
package insert.
1. Use a standard blood filter (150-280 micron
screen) for all blood components. Replace after
4 hours.
1. Leukocyte-reduction filters are used to:
a. Decrease febrile transfusion reactions.
b. Decrease risk of alloimmunization to leukocyte
or HLA antigens.
c. Reduce risk of CMV transmission
Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004
V. Blood Warming. Use only a temperature-
Monitored blood warmer to avoid hemolysis.
Indications for blood warming:
*1. Patients with clinically active cold agglutinins.
2. Adults receiving blood over 50 mL/kg/hour.
3. Children receiving blood over 15 mL/kg/hour.
4. Rapid infusion of blood through central lines (cold
blood may induct arrhythmias).
* Only indication for which SUF-Blood Bank supplies blood
warmer.
VI. Time Limits for Infusion. Components must be
infused within 4 hours. Note: the blood bank can
divide components into aliquots as needed.
VII. Irradiation of Blood and Cellular Components
A minimum of 25 Gy should be used to reduce the
risk of transfusion associated GVHD in susceptible
patients such as: selected immunocompetent or
or immunocompromised recipients (ie, stem cell/
Bone marrow transplant, congenital immune
deficiency, etc), a fetus receiving intrauterine
transfusions, recipients of HLA-matched or
crossmatched platelets.
Page 26 of 35 26
 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

APPENDIX K - Adverse Reaction Recognition & Management

(back to section or top)

M A N A G E M E N T O F A C U T E T R A N S F U S IO N R E A C T I O N S
Im m e d ia te S te p s fo r A ll R e a c tio n s :
1. S t o p T r a n s f u s io n . 3. V e r if y c o r r e c t u n i t w a s g iv e n t o c o r r e c t p a t i e n t .
2. K e e p IV O p e n w it h 0 . 9 % N a C l 4. N o t if y a t t e n d in g p h y s i c ia n a n d b lo o d b a n k .
A f t e r T r a n s f u s i o n i s T e r m in a t e d ( e x c e p t m i ld a l le r g ic , s e e b e l o w ) :
5. S e n d r e q u e s t f o r r e a c t i o n w o r k u p , f r e s h l y c o ll e c t e d b l o o d a n d u r in e s a m p le s w it h b lo o d u n i t
a n d a d m in is t r a t io n s e t t o b l o o d B a n k
R e a c tio n T y p e S ig n s & S y m p t o m s E t io lo g y C li n ic a l A c t i o n / P r e v e n t i o n
A c u te h e m o ly t ic A n x ie t y , c h e s t p a in , fla n k H e m o ly t ic t r a n s fu s io n S t e p s 1 - 5 a b o v e ; t r e a t w it h v a s o p r e s s o r s , I V f lu id s ,
p a in , d y s p n e a , c h ills , f e v e r , r e a c t io n ; u s u a lly d u e t o c o r t ic o s t e r io d s a s n e e d e d ; m a in t a in a ir w a y ;
s h o c k , h e m o g lo b in u r ia , c a r d ia c A B O in c o m p a t ib ility o r in c r e a s e r e n a l b lo o d f lo w ( I V f lu id s ; fu r o s e m id e ) ;
a r r e s t , h e m o g lo b in e m ia , c o m p le m e n t - f ix in g m a in ta in b r is k d iu r e s is ; m o n it o r r e n a l s t a tu s f o r
u n e x p la in e d b le e d in g r e d c e ll a n t ib o d y a c u t e r e n a l f a ilu r e . M o n it o r c o a g u la t io n s t a t u s f o r
D I C ; a d m in is t e r b lo o d c o m p o n e n t s a s n e e d e d
a f te r e t io lo g y is c le a r .
E n s u r e p r o p e r s a m p l e /r e c ip i e n t i d e n t i f ic a t io n .
A c u te lu n g in ju r y F e v e r , c h ills , d y s p n e a , A n t ib o d ie s f r o m d o n o r S u p p o r t iv e t h e r a p y f o r r e s p ir a t o r y f a ilu r e , o x y g e n ,
( T R A L I) r e s p ir a t o r y f a ilu r e , h y p o x ia , p a ls m a t o r e c ip ie n t 's m e c h a n ic a l v e n t ila t io n , l e u k o c y t e - r e d u c e d b l o o d
p u lm o n a r y e d e m a , W B C s ; le s s c o m m o n ly c o m p o n e n t s u n t il e tio lo g y is c le a r ( d o n o r v s
h y p o t e n s io n r e c ip ie n t a n t ib o d ie s t o r e c ip ie n t a n t ib o d y ) .
W BCs
A le r g ic ( m ild ) P r u r it u s , u r t ic a r ia ( h iv e s ) A n t ib o d ie s t o p la s m a S t e p s 1 - 4 a b o v e ; a d m in is t e r a n tih is t a m in e s
p r o t e in s ( P O , I M o r I V ) ; r e s u m e tr a n s f u s io n if im p r o v e d ; if n o
im p r o v e m e n t in 3 0 m in u t e s t r e a t a s b e lo w .
A le r g ic H iv e s , d y s p n e a , a b d o m in a l A n t ib o d ie s t o p la s m a S t e p s 1 - 5 a b o v e ; a d m in is t e r a n tih is t a m in e s ,
(m o d e ra te to p a in , h y p o t e n s io n , n a u s e a , p r o t e in s , in lc u d in g Ig A e p in e p h r in e , v a s o p r e s s o r s , a n d c o r t ic o s t e r o id s a s
s e v e re ) a n a p h y la x is , t h r o a t t ig h te n in g n e e d e d ; a v o id f u t u r e r e a c t io n s b y p r e m e d i c a t i o n
w h e e z in g a n d u s e o f w a s h e d re d c e lls .
C h e c k p re tra n s fu s io n Ig A le v e l.
C ir c u la t o r y H e a d a c h e , s h o rtn e s s o f b re a th ; T o o r a p id a n d / o r I n d u c e d iu r e s is ; p h le b o t o m y ; s u p p o r t c a r d io -
o v e r lo a d s y s t o lic h y p e r t e n s io n ( > 5 0 m m H g e x c e s s iv e t r a n s f u s io n r e s p ir a t o r y s y s t e m a s n e e d e d . A v o i d r a p i d o r
r is e ) , p u lm o n a r y e d m a , c o n g e s t iv e e x c e s s iv e tra n s fu s io n .
h e a r t f a ilu r e ; c a r d ia c a r r h y t h m ia s
F e b r ile ( m ild t o F e v e r , c h ills , r ig o r s , a n x ie t y , A n t ib o d ie s t o le u k o c y t e S t e p s 1 - 5 a b o v e ; m ild - a d m in is t e r a n t ip y r e tic s a s
m o d e ra te ) m ild d y s p n e a a n tig e n s , ( m o s t ly H L A ) ; n e e d e d ; a v o id f u r t u r e r e a c t io n s b y p r e m e d ic a t io n
c y t o k in e s a n d u s e o f le u k o c yte -re d u c e d re d c e lls & p la te le ts .
H y p o t e n s io n H y p o t e n s io n , ta c h y c a r d ia B r a d y k in in g e n e r a t io n , S t e p s 1 - 3 a b o v e ; f lu id s ; T r e n d e le n b e r g p o s it io n ;
m a y b e e x a c e rb a te d b y d is c o n t in u e A C E in h ib it o r ; a v o i d b e d s i d e l e u k o c y t e
A C E in h ib it o r s r e d u c t io n f i l t e r s . ( L e u k o c y t e r e d u c t io n p e r f o r m e d
in S U F - B lo o d B a n k . )
S e p t ic / t o x ic C h ills , r ig o r s , f e v e r B a c te r ia c o n t a m in a t io n S t e p s 1 - 5 a b o v e ; t r e a t s h o c k w it h v a s o p r e s s o r s ,
h y p o t e n s io n , t a c h y c a r d ia o f b lo o d p r o d u c t s I V f lu id s ; g iv e a n tib io t ic s . C u lt u r e s a m p le s f r o m
lu m b e r p a in , n a u s e a , v o m it in g , p a t ie n t a n d b a g .
s h o r tn e s s o f b r e a t h ; c h a n g e in
s y s t o lic b lo o d p r e s s u r e

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 27 of 35 27

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

APPENDIX L – POST
TRANSFUSION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR OUT PATIENTS
(back to section or top)

Nurse: Fill out form and make two photocopies. Keep one copy for medical
records and give one copy to patient.

This blood transfusion has been administered to you by order of your physician as
part of his treatment of your condition.

The blood you received is crossmatched with your blood prior to the transfusion in
order to assure that the blood transfused is as safe as possible using current
approved laboratory tests.

The majority of blood transfusions cause no reaction; however even with the
assurance of pre-transfusion testing, blood transfusions my produce some adverse
reactions. Following is a list of possible reactions from infusing blood:

1. Feeling Faint (syncope)

2. Fever (with or without chills)
3. Rash or hives
4. Lower back pain
5. Dark urine
6. Difficult or labored breathing
7. Chest pain

If you should develop any of these or other symptoms following transfusion

therapy, call your physician or return to the hospital for evaluation and possible
treatment. SHANDS at UF Emergency Department phone # is 352-265-0050.

I hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of these instructions and have had them
explained to me. I understand them and agree to follow-up care, as instructed if
needed.

____________________________________________________
Patient or representative signature

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 28 of 35 28

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Appendix M - Guidelines for Transfusion and Ordering Special

Attributes
APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR TRANSFUSION ORDERABLE PRODUCTS and DOSES
PACKED RED BLOOD CELLS
Hct less than 25% or Hgb less than 8 g Packed Cells (250 mL/unit)
Acute Blood Loss Autologous Adult dose: 1 Unit will raise Hct
Hemodynamic Instability Directed by 3% or Hgb by 1g
Symptomatic anemia in cardiovascular or lung disease PediSplit (80/mL/unit)
Surgery (Refer to Standard Surgical Blood Order Schedule - SSBOS) Aliquot (20-60 mL in Syringe) Peds dose: 10 mL/kg
PLATELETS
Platelet count less than 20,000 cu mm Random Donor Patelets
Platelet count less than 50,000 cu mm with active bleeding Adult Dose: 1 unit/10 Kg body weight (avg. 6-10 units)
Platelet count less than 50,000 cu mm with surgical procedure Child greater than or equal to 2 yr Dose: 1 unit/10 Kg
Platelet count less than 50,000 cu mm in pre-term infants Infant less than 2 yr Dose: 10 mL/Kg body wieght
Active bleeding with dysfunctional platelets Single Donor Platelet Pheresis
HLA Matched Platelet Pheresis
Crossmatched Platelet Pheresis
PLASMA
PT greater than or equal to 20 sec. or APTT greater than Plasma (FFP or Thawed - 220 mL/Unit)
or equal to 60 sec. with active bleeding Cryo-poor Plasma (220 mL/Unit)
Congenital or acquired coagulation factor deficiencies for Pedi FFP (50 mL/unit)
which no specific coagulation concentrates are available Aliquot (20-40 mL in Syringe)
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) Dose: 10-20 mL/kg
Rapid reversal of Warfarin with active bleeding or invasive
procedure and INR greater than 1.6
CRYOPRECIPITATE
Fibrinogen levels less than or equal to 115 mg/dL Cryoprecipitate (CRYO 15 mL/Unit)
Factor XIII deficiency less than 25% of normal Dose Formula:
Uremic with active bleeding desired increase level (mg/dl) x pt's plasma vol (mL)*
250mg/Unit for Fibrinogen
* or substitute 4% body weight (kg) x 1000
Rh IMMUNE GLOBULIN
Rh neg woman who delivers Rh pos infant Rh Immune Globulin (RhIg)
Rh neg woman without previous sensitization at the time Dosage is calculated using Kleihauer-Betke results
of 28-32 weeks gestation, abortion, amniocentesis or 1 vial (300mcg)/15 mL Rh positive RBC exposure
other indicated procedure
Rh neg persons without previous sensitization who has
received blood products or tissue grafts containing
Rh pos red cells
VZIG
Exposure to Varicella Zoster (within 72 hours of exposure) Dose: 1 vial (2.5 mL)/10 kg - 5 vials max
125 Units of antibodies / 2.5 mL - IM use

(back to section or top)

Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004 Page 29 of 35 29

 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

Appendix M - Guidelines for Transfusion and Ordering Special

Attributes
(back to section or top)
APPROVED INDICATIONS FOR ATTRIBUTES
CMV NEGATIVE LEUKOREDUCTION by FILTRATION
CMV negative transplant recipient & Donor CMV negative Alternative to CMV negative products
Intrauterine transfusion Recurrent febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions
CMV negative & pregnant Reduction of primary HLA alloimmunization
CMV negative AIDs patient VOLUME REDUCED
Pre-term infants Prevention of volume overload
Immunodeficient neonates
Neonates & infants who are candidates for organ transplantation
IRRADIATION WASHED
Bone Marrow Transplant Recurrent urticarial and or febrile transfusion reactions
Congenital Immunodeficiency ABO incompatible bone marrow transplant
Intrauterine Transfusion Clinical conditions requiring avoidance of ammonia, K+
Blood units from blood relatives and or lactic acid
HLA matched or crossmatched platelets IgA deficiency
Aggressive Immunosuppressive Chemotherapy

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APPENDIX N - RISKS OF TRANSFUSION

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ADVERSE EFFECTS & RISKS of BLOOD PRODUCT TRANSFUSION

RISKS RISK / UNIT
Transfuse RBC to wrong patient ^53 - 83 : 1,000,000
Infection from platelet transfusion ^66 : 1,000,000
ABO incompatible transfusion ^33 : 1,000,000
Hepatitis B (HBV) *5 : 1,000,000
Death due to ABO incompatible transfusion ^2 : 1,000,000
Hepatitis C (HCV) *1 : 2,000,000
Malaria or Syphilis ^1 : 1,000,000
Human Immunedeficiency Virus (HIV) *1 : 2,000,000
HTLV *1 : 3,000,000
West Nile Virus (WNV) Data still being collected
^ Transfusion 2001:41:1493-1499 (BaCon Study)
* Transfusion 2002:42:975-979

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 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA

APPENDIX O - PREPARATION TIME FOR PRODUCTS

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Component Transport Expiration *Prep Time

Whole Blood 1-10°C 21 days
CPDA - Red Cells 35 days
AS - Red Cells 42 days
Aliquot Red Cells 4 hrs 20 min
Washed Red Cells 24 hrs 30 min
Platelets 20-24°C 5 days 30 min
Pooled Platelets 4 hrs 30 min
Platelet Pheresis 5 days 30 min
Washed platelets 24 hrs 45 min
Fresh Frozen Plasma Frozen 1year
FFP, Thawed 1-10°C 24 hrs 30 min - 2hrs
Thawed Plasma 1-10°C 5 days 15 min
Cryoprecipitate Frozen 1year
Cryo, single 20-24°C 6 hrs 60 min
Cryo, pooled 20-24°C 4 hrs 60 min
Filtered products 40 min
Irradiated products 15 min
*Time needed to prepare or modify
product
Administer one unit at a time in non-urgent
settings
Infuse all blood products via standard blood infusion set (170–260 micron)
ALL products must be infused within 4 hours of
starting

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 SHANDS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
APPENDIX P – Blood Components and Plasma Derivative Chart
BLOOD COMPONENTS AND PLASMA DERIVATIVES
Component/Product Composition Volume
Whole Blood RBCs (approx. Hct 40%; 500 mL
plasma; WBCs; platelets
Red Blood Cells RBCs (approx. Hct
75%); reduced plasma,
WBCs and platelets
Red Blood Cells, RBCs (approx. HCT
Adenine-Saline 60%); reduced plasma,
Added WBCs and platelets; 100
mL of additive solution
RBCs Leukocyte Greater than 85% of
Reduced (prepared original volume of RBC;
by filtration) less than 5 x 106 WBC;
few platelets; minimal
plasma
RBCs Washed RBCs (approx. Hct
75%); less than 5 x 108
WBC; no platelets; no
plasma
RBCs Frozen; RBCs RBCs (approx. Hct
Deglycerolized 75%); less than 5 x 108
WBC; no platelets; no
plasma
Granulocytes Granulocytes (greater
Pheresis than 1.0 x 1010
PMN/unit); lymphocytes;
platelets (greater than
2.0 x 1011/unit); some
RBCs
Platelets Platelets (greater than
5.5 x 1010 /unit); RBCs;
WBCs; plasma
Platelets Pheresis Platelets (greater than 3
x 1011 /unit); RBCs;
WBCs; plasma
Platelets Leukocyte Platelets (as above);
Reduced less than 5 x 106 WBCs
per final dose of pooled
Platelets
Patient Care – Blood Administration/Phlebotomy – BA-P-004
Objectives
Increase both red cell mass and
plasma volume (WBCs and platelets
not functional; plasma deficient in
labile clotting Factors V and VIII)
250 mL Increase red cell mass in
symptomatic anemia (WBCs and
platelets not functional)
330 mL Increase red cell mass in
symptomatic anemia (WBCs and
platelets not functional)
225 mL Increased red cell mass; less than 5
x 106 WBCs to decrease the
likelihood of febrile reactions;
immunization to leukocytes (HLA
antigens) or CMV transmission
180 mL Increase red cell mass; reduce risk
of allergic reactions to plasma
proteins.
180 mL Increase red cell mass; minimize
febrile or allergic transfusion
reactions; use for prolonged RBC
blood storage
220 mL Provide granulocytes for selected
patients with sepsis and severe
neutropenia (less than 500 PMN/μL)
50 mL Bleeding due to thrombocytopenia
or thrombocytopathy
300 mL Same as Platelets; sometimes HLA
matched or crossmatched
300 mL Same as Platelets; less than 5 x 106
WBCs to decrease the likelihood of
febrile reactions; alloimmunization to
leukocytes (HLA antigens), or CMV
transmission
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APPENDIX P – Blood Components and Plasma Derivative Chart -

Continued
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BLOOD COMPONENTS AND PLASMA DERIVATIVES

Component/Product Composition Volume Objectives
FFP; Donor Retested FFP, Donor Retested 220 mL Treatment of some coagulation
Plasma; Thawed Plasma; all coagulation disorders
Plasma factors; Thawed Plasma
has reduced FV, VIII
Cryoprecipitated AHF Fibrinogen; Factors VIII 15 mL Deficiency of fibrinogen; Factor XIII;
and XIII; von Willebrand second choice in treatment of
factor; 80 Units of Factor Hemophilia; A, von Willebrand’s
VIII per unit disease; (topical fibrin glue-
manufactured*)
*Factor VIII Factor VIII; trace amount 25 mL Hemophilia A (Factor VIII deficiency);
(concentrates; of other plasma proteins von Willebrand’s disease (off-label use
recombinant human (products vary in purity) for selected products only)
factor VIII
*Factor IX Factor IX; trace amount 25 mL Hemophilia B (Factor IX deficiency)
(concentrates; of other plasma proteins
recombinant human (products vary in purity)
factor XI)
*Albumin / PDF Albumin, some α -, B- (5%); Volume expansion
globulins (25%)
*Immune Globulin IgG antibodies; Varies Treatment of hypo- or
preparations for IV and / agammaglobulinemia disease
or IM use prophylaxis; autoimmune
thrombocytopenia (IV only)
Rh Immune Globulin IgG anti-D; preparations 1 mL Prevention of hemolytic disease of the
for IV* and / or IM use newborn due to D antigen; treatment of
autoimmune thrombocytopenia
*Antithrombin Antithrombin; trace 10 mL Treatment of antithrombin deficiency
amount of other plasma
proteins
*Activated Protein C Activated Protein C Severe sepsis
(recombinant)
Factor VIIa 2.2 mL Bleeding episodes for Hemophilia A or
(1.2 B with inhibitors
mg)/8.5
mL
(4.8mg)

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RBCs = red blood cells; Hct = hematocrit; WBCs = white blood cells; CMV =
cytomegalovirus; PMN = polymorphonuclear leukocytes; FFP = fresh frozen plasma;
PPF = plasma protein fraction; IV = intravenous; IM = intramuscular
*Order from Pharmacy

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