How to undertake a blood component transfusion
To increase your awareness of the patient identification and blood component checks that must be undertaken before administering a blood component
To optimise your practice when undertaking a blood component transfusion, including the required patient observations and steps that should be taken to reduce potential hazards
To understand the evidence base that supports blood component transfusions
The administration of blood components is a relatively common nursing procedure; however, it is associated with several potentially serious hazards.
Blood component transfusion must only be undertaken by a trained healthcare professional whose competency has been assessed.
It is vital that the nurse understands the indication for the blood component transfusion, as well as how to undertake a thorough patient medical history and identity check, and patient observations before, during and after the procedure.
How you think this article has changed your practice when undertaking blood component transfusions.
How you could use this resource to support colleagues in undertaking safe and effective blood component transfusions.
