These procedures are based on current guidelines issued by the British Society for Standards in Hematology (BCSH), Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT), EU Directives and Health Service Circulars
1. CONSENT AND INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
The decision to transfuse should be explained to the patient (or their guardian) for a guide to why the transfusion was considered necessary, and to provide basic information on the risks inherent with transfusion.
2. REQUEST FORMS, OBTAINING SAMPLES AND LABELLING
The collection of the blood sample and the labelling of the container must be carried out as one continuous, uninterrupted event involving one patient only. Sample containers MUST NOT be labelled prior to collection of the sample. If conscious, and able to, the patient is verbally asked to give their forename, surname and date of birth. These details are checked against the patient identification band. If the patient is unconscious or unable to state their name, the patient's identification band must be checked against written documentation (e.g. patients medical notes) containing the patient's details (surname, forename, gender, date of birth and Hospital Unit number/CHI number/ A&E number).
Check these details match those on the request form. Any discrepancy MUST be resolved before proceeding .Label the blood tube at the bedside (by hand) with the patient's full name, date of birth, hospital number/CHI number/A&E number, gender, patient location, date & time sample was taken and the signature of the person taking the blood sample. Ensure that the details on the blood tube and the request form are identical. The signatures on the blood tube and at the bottom of the request form imply that you have ensured that the sample is accurately identified and labelled for that specific patient.