Obtaining the Component from the Laboratory
Before Obtaining the Product
Prior to obtaining the blood component from the hospital transfusion service, the following actions should take place:
- Check the patient's chart for the physician's order for transfusion and for documentation of informed consent for blood transfusion;
- Establish intravenous (IV) access and set up a blood administration set.
Messenger
The messenger is defined as the person who transports the blood component from the transfusion service to the patient care area. This person's training and qualifications can vary greatly and range from the patient picking up a product to a nurse or physician, depending on the size of the hospital and the day/time.
Standard Operating Procedures and a training program should be developed and implemented for this important role.
Pneumatic Tube Delivery Systems
Some hospital transfusion services transport blood to patient care areas using a pneumatic tube system. Processes must be established and monitored to prevent delay and misdirection of blood components to the intended destination. As well, additional procedures should be established to ensure the temperature of the blood components is maintained according to established standards.
If the Product is not Transfused Immediately
Blood components must also meet specific criteria if not used and returned to the laboratory.
Storage of blood components outside the hospital transfusion service (satellite storage) requires specific blood component refrigerators and the same criteria for monitoring, calibration and maintenance as the equipment in the transfusion service.