Competency information
Details
Provide safe and effective blood and components for emergency use, and provide transfusion support in cases of major haemorrhage, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively with all parties involved.
Considerations
- Principles of expected values for haematology and tests used to determine the need for blood components.
- Appropriate use of blood and transfusion triggers.
- Use of maximum blood ordering schedules.
- Use of IT to record and check for patient special requirements.
- Clinical risks where special requirements are not met and value of clinical/transfusion history.
- Minimum requirements for pre-transfusion testing in emergency situations.
- Appropriate use and risks associated with ‘flying squad’ group O RhD negative units.
- Testing and labelling criteria to be met before issuing group-specific blood in an emergency.
- Value of ‘trauma packs’ and rationale behind ratios of red cells: fresh frozen plasma (FFP): platelets used in major haemorrhage.
- Thawing of frozen components such as FFP and cryoprecipitate for issue, and understanding of changed storage conditions/expiry once thawed.
- Reasons why blood components may be visually not fit for use, e.g. haemolysed, lipaemic or bacterially contaminated units.
- Appropriate actions if a component is rejected for issue.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 | Outcome Select and issue appropriate blood, components and products for patients with a wide range of clinical conditions, in routine and emergency settings. |