Blood Transfusion

BenefitsRisks

Risks & Benefits There is no doubt that Blood Transfusion is an integral part of everyday hospital life and like most hospital treatments it has its risks. Though what is most important to remember about Blood Transfusion is that it is a finite resource and we rely on voluntary blood donors for our supplies. Blood is therefore a precious commodity, finite and expensive, which must be used appropriately. The Health Service Circulars ‘Better Blood Transfusion’ and Blood Safety and Quality Regulations have been instrumental in making transfusion practice safer in hospitals while the collection and processing of blood components are in the capable hands of the National Blood and Transplant Service.

BBT2 ‘ Trusts involved in blood transfusion should implement arrangements for promoting good transfusion practice through the development of an effective clinical infrastructure.’ (Next slide) HSC 2002/009

Trust Management Team Hospital Transfusion Committee (HTC) (Medical representatives from the major user care groups) Hospital Transfusion Team (HTT) (Haematology Consultant, Head of Section-Blood Transfusion and Specialist Practitioner of Transfusion) Role of HTT: Training and Education of all staff involved in the Transfusion Process Writing and implementing Blood Transfusion Policy and guidelines approved by HTC Carrying out audits approved by HTC Investigation of adverse incidents related to the blood transfusion process and reporting these to the HTC, local Risk Management team and the national haemovigilance schemes SHOT (Serious Hazards of Transfusion) and SABRE (Serious Adverse Blood Reactions and Events)

For more information Specialist Practitioner of Transfusion, Ext 8910 Bleep 2463 Blood Transfusion Dept. Ext