CMA Recommendations (1997)*

An expert working group formed by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) made the following recommendations concerning informed consent:

1. Patients should be informed that transfusion of red blood cells, plasma or both is a possible element of the planned medical or surgical intervention and should be provided with information about the risks, benefits and available alternatives. Level of evidence: N/A.
2. When feasible, the patient's consent to a transfusion of red blood cells, plasma or both should be obtained and recorded in the patient's medical chart. Level of evidence: N/A.
3. The physician overseeing the care of the patient should be responsible for obtaining informed consent for red blood cell or plasma administration. Level of evidence: N/A.
4. Patients should be informed that they have received a red blood cell or plasma transfusion subsequent to its administration. Level of evidence: N/A.

*Excerpt from Canadian Medical Association Expert Working Group. Guidelines for red blood cell and plasma transfusion for adults and children. CMAJ 1997;156 (11 suppl).

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