Clinical indications

Blood and blood components are biological products, and in the form of cellular products are living human tissue intended for use in the treatment of patients.

Transfusion can effectively and efficiently provide or replace missing or malfunctioning elements of the blood or immune systems.

Some types of anaemia, thrombocytopenia and platelet function disorders, bleeding disorders, and massive transfusion are common clinical indications for blood components.

Clinicians are encouraged to adopt the principles of patient blood management (PBM). The National Blood Authority Patient Blood Management Guidelines and other evidenced-based clinical guidelines provide specific decision support regarding appropriate transfusion practices and the use of blood components.

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Iron deficiency anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) is a common problem that often goes unrecognised.

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Platelet disorders

Platelet disorders lead to defects in primary haemostasis and occur as a result of a bone marrow disorders, immune system problems or as a side effect of certain medications.

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Acquired bleeding disorders

Acquired bleeding disorders are the most common causes of bleeding seen in haematology. They’re a group of conditions in which there is a problem with the body’s clotting process.

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Bleeding disorders

Congenital bleeding disorders occur due to the absence of specific clotting proteins. The three most common disorders include haemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency), haemophilia B (factor IX deficiency) and von Willebrand disease.

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Massive transfusion

Massive transfusions occur due to severe bleeding related to trauma, a ruptured aortic aneurysm, surgery and obstetrics complications. The management goals include early recognition of blood loss, maintenance of tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

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Anti-coagulation reversal

Warfarin is commonly used to treat a wide range of thromboembolic disorders. Reversing its effects before invasive procedures, for the management of elevated INR levels and life-threatening bleeding may be required.

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Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN)

Haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is an immune-mediated red blood cell disorder. With the appropriate use of immunoprophylaxis, fatal consequences from this disorder have become rare.

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High ferritin

The High Ferritin app allows doctors to determine the eligibility of patients and place referrals to undertake therapeutic venesection at Lifeblood and also provides education on possible causes of high ferritin.

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Directed donations

A 'directed donation' from a donor known to the patient may be used if the recipient has a medical indication, such as a rare blood type and compatible donors are not available. Will not be performed to avoid blood components from donors vaccinated against COVID-19.

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