Verify the correct patient using two identifiers according to institution policy.
Assess vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature.
Assess for existing back or flank pain or hematuria.
Ensure that informed consent has been obtained, according to institution policy.
Perform hand hygiene and don gloves.
Establish vascular access. For products containing cellular components (RBCs, WBCs), use an 18- to 20-G catheter for optimal patient comfort and flow rate. If necessary, needles and IV catheters used for infusion of cellular components may be as small as 24 or 25 G. If using the smaller gauges, dilution with normal saline or Plasma-Lyte 148 and the use of an IV pump may be helpful in maintaining the infusion. Larger gauges allow more rapid rates of infusion.
Obtain specimens for type and crossmatch as required and according to institution policy.
Verify the correct patient, correct blood component, and correct unit with another qualified person according to institution policy.
If a pressure infuser will be used, remove the air from the saline bag.
Prime the tubing and initiate flow as described below for the blood product being administered.