Transfusing Blood and Blood Products

Points to Remember:
Blood and Blood products are to be administered by the RN

Only NS may be used in conjunction with administering blood and blood products

Blood filters and special tubing may be used for up to 2 units of blood IF both
units are infused in a 4 hour period of time

Do not infuse any medication into the patient via the blood IV tubing.

All blood products require a filter.

Most of the time, blood will be given via a pump.

Be sure to complete all vital signs and transfusion records. You will need a set of
baseline vital signs before administering the blood.

You may have a separate flow sheet for administering

blood products. See you facilities policy and procedure
manual.

Each patient must have a type and screen and crossmatch in the lab prior to
obtaining a blood product. Each type and screen is only good for 72 hours.

NO crossmatch is required for platelets

However, you must have a type and screen to administer

platelets

Upon receiving the blood or blood product from the lab, 2 RNs must verify the
blood or blood product with the patients information prior to hanging the blood
or blood product. See your hospitals policy and procedure manual for specific
details.
Verification usually includes verifying: the patients name,
Date of birth, blood bank number, unit number, expiration
date of unit of blood or blood product, blood type and
group, MDs order

You will need an MDs order to administer blood or blood products.

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 Signed consent form from the patient (or the next of kin if the patient is unable to
sign the form). It is the doctors responsibility to have the consent form signed
and to explain to the patient and or family the need and possible side effects.

Initially begin infusion slowly and observe patient closely especially for the first
15 minutes of the infusion. If no reaction is observed, infusion rate may be
increased. The rate will depend on the condition of the patient. You will not
want to infuse the blood quickly if you have a patient is elderly, has any type of
heart or kidney condition or someone very young.

Infusion of the blood should be started within 30 minutes of the receiving the
blood from the blood bank.

All blood from each unit must be completed within a 4 hour time frame. If the
unit of blood is not completed in a 4 hour time frame the blood must be discarded.

Dispose of blood tubing and blood or blood product bag in red trash can.

Be sure the flush lines after transfusing blood or blood product

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 Signs of Transfusion Reaction

Chest pain

Rash

Fall in blood pressure

Increase in temperature

Anxiety

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

Headache

Flushing

Back pain

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 If a reaction occurs you should:

Discontinue the transfusion IMMEDIATELY

Remove blood and blood tubing set.

Check your facilities policies and procedure manual. You
may have to return the blood and tubing to the blood bank.

Notify MD and monitor patient closely for anaphylaxis

Notify lab of transfusion reaction

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