Blood Products Consent 🩸
🧪 Procedure
- Administration of blood products – including packed red blood cells (PRBCs), platelets, fresh frozen plasma (FFP), cryoprecipitate, or other derivatives.
📋 Indications
- Anaemia with haemodynamic compromise or symptomatic anaemia
- Acute blood loss (e.g. trauma, GI bleed, surgery)
- Thrombocytopenia with bleeding or prior to procedure
- Coagulopathy requiring correction (e.g. elevated INR, liver disease)
- Specific haematologic conditions (e.g. TTP, DIC)
🔍 Walkthrough of Procedure
- Blood sample is taken for group and screen/crossmatch.
- Once matched, blood products are administered via IV line, typically over 1.5–3 hours per unit for PRBCs.
- Vital signs are monitored before, during, and after transfusion.
- Patients are closely monitored for transfusion reactions.
⚠️ Risks and Complications
- Common: Febrile non-haemolytic reaction, minor allergic reaction (rash, itching).
- Less Common: Haemolytic transfusion reaction (fever, back pain, dark urine), fluid overload (esp. in heart failure), iron overload (with repeated transfusions).
- Rare: Anaphylaxis, TRALI (transfusion-related acute lung injury), infections (hepatitis B/C, HIV – extremely rare in modern blood products).
❓ Common Questions Patients Ask
- "Where does the blood come from?" – From carefully screened voluntary donors.
- "Can I get infections from this?" – Very rare due to rigorous testing, but risks are not zero.
- "What happens if I have a reaction?" – We stop the transfusion immediately and provide supportive treatment as needed.
- "Are there alternatives?" – Sometimes oral or IV iron, erythropoietin. Discuss with treating team.
📌 Other Considerations
- Ensure the patient’s full name and DOB are correct on blood form and wristband.
- Jehovah’s Witnesses and others may decline transfusion – discuss clearly and document appropriately.
- Always document verbal or written consent depending on hospital policy.