Pretransfusion

Pretransfusion information encompasses all aspects of component handling from the time the blood component leaves the blood centre until the component is issued for transfusion.

The hospital transfusion service is responsible for all aspects of pre-transfusion handling of blood
components from the time donor units are received in the facility. In larger hospitals blood storage
refrigerators may be located in patient care areas such as intensive care units and operating rooms.

Specimen collection is another shared aspect of pre-transfusion testing where laboratory and nursing departments share responsibility for correctly identifying patients and collecting pre-transfusion specimens for testing.

These examples reinforce the teamwork that is required across departments to provide safe transfusion practices. It is especially important to keep in mind that when practicing any of these functions, it is imperative to adhere to established procedures requiring the careful monitoring and storage of blood components during their shelf life and to ensuring patient identification and specimen labelling is established.

When in doubt, do not transfuse.