Australian Red Cross Blood Service

Ask yourself the following questions before prescribing blood components:(1)

1. What improvement in the patient’s condition am I aiming to achieve?

2. Can I minimise blood loss to reduce the patient’s need for transfusion?

3. Are there other treatments I should give before making the decision to transfuse, such as intravenous replacement fluids, oxygen, iron replacements or other haematinics?

4. Have cross-matching and any other relevant tests been carried out?

5. What are the specific clinical or laboratory indications for blood transfusion in this patient?

6. What are the risks of transmitting infectious agents through the available blood products?

7. Do the benefits of transfusion outweigh the risks for this particular patient?

8. Will a trained person monitor this patient and respond immediately if any acute transfusion reactions occur?

9. Have I recorded my decision to transfuse and reasons for transfusion on the patient’s chart and any documentation used in the ordering or administering of blood components?

10. Has the patient been given a clear explanation of the potential risks and benefits of blood component therapy in his or her particular case?

Consider the individual patient’s needs and base your decisions on the Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Use of Blood Components.(2)

References

1. World Health Organization. Blood Transfusion Safety. Switzerland, 2000.
2. National Health and Medical Research Council & Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion. Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Use of Blood Components. Commonwealth of Australia, October 2002.