Competency information
Details
Select appropriate blood components or product in accordance with patient special requirements, including for the following:
- Intrauterine transfusion
- neonates
- post stem cell transplant (SCT)/ bone marrow transplant (BMT)
- autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA)
- post solid organ transplant
- sickle cell disease
- red cell antibodies.
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. |