Winter 2009 - Department of Anesthesiology

**Transfusion Tips:
*Proper
Storage of Blood Products
Transfusion Policy:
1. Assure there are two licensed professionals OR 1 licensed professional
and an anesthesia technician to verify all identification information at the
bedside including:
Patients name and MRN on the armband match with the Transfusion
Report Form and the Compatibility Label on the product bag.
Product name, identification numbers/letters, donor ABO blood type
and RH factor on the bag label matches the Transfusion Report Form
Expiration date and time on the product and on the Transfusion Report
Form
2. Vital sign documentation policy requires initial set of vital signs to
be documented within 10-20min following
initiation of transfusion (except in
the OR)
Red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma are the only products stored in coolers.
If more than 3 of these products requiring refrigeration are requested,
they well be sent in a cooler, and must remain in the cooler until administered.
◊ Red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma must be kept under the bag of ice
to maintain a temperature range of 0-< 6° C.
◊ Do not store platelets or cryoprecipitate in coolers. These products are destroyed
at lower temperatures and will be discarded.
◊ Coolers may be returned to Transfusion for re-icing and brought back to the
bedside if necessary. The large coolers will maintain temperature for 8 hours
and the smaller coolers for 4 hrs.