Transfusion process

The transfusion process for the safe administration of blood products has a number of important steps that need to be followed including:

  • decision to transfuse and informed consent
  • prescription and request for transfusion
  • pretransfusion sample collection and compatibility testing
  • blood collection and delivery
  • administration
  • monitoring and observation, and
  • documentation and traceability.

Each of these steps requires high-level communication skills across the health disciplines and with the patient to ensure safe and appropriate transfusion happens consistently.

Local health services must have a policy and guideline to assist safe processes within their organisations.