Prior to the Transfusion

The physician is responsible for explaining the risks and benefits associated with a transfusion.  A signed consent for should be on the patient’s medical record prior to initiating any transfusion.   

A sample of blood is sent to the blood bank for type and cross-matching.  The results of the laboratory testing is valid for three days and then must be repeated for future transfusions.

 Review the patient's transfusion history.

Patients who have had multiple blood transfusions are at a greater risk for certain transfusion reactions and infection with HIV or Hepatitis B Virus.  To prevent a transfusion reaction, pre-medications and additional blood filters may be required. 

The patient should be instructed to report shortness of breath, chills, headache, chest pain, itching or rash immediately.

An RN and another licensed nurse or physician need to verify the information on the blood bag tag against the information in the patient's medical record and the patient's identification band. (In the ambulatory care setting where a patient may not have an identification band,  have the patient verbally state their name and a unique identifier such as their birth date or social security number. Compare the  information the patient gives you to the medical record. If it matches, compare the name and medical record number on the patient's chart to that on the blood bag tag.)

1. The physicians order (product and amount)

2. Patient’s name and medical record number

3. Donor number on bag tag to that on the bag.

4. Type and crossmatch (ABO and Rh)

5. Expiration date

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