g. Identification of Patient and Blood Product.
NOTE:
Before beginning the transfusion, it is extremely important to identify correctly
the patient and the blood product. It is ideal for two persons to carry out the
steps listed below, thus cross-checking the information.
(1)
Identification of the blood product.
(a) Check the ABO group and Rh type on the label on the blood
container to be certain it agrees with the compatibility record.
(b) Check the number on the label on the blood container to be certain
it agrees with the compatibility record.
(c)
Check the blood compatibility record for the patient's name and
hospital number.
(2)
Identification of the patient.
(a) Check the name and hospital number on the patient's wrist
identification band against the information on the compatibility record.
(b) When possible, ask the patient to identify himself by stating his
name. Never ask, "Are you Mr. ______?"
(c) The person who identifies that the correct blood product is being
administered to the patient should then sign the compatibility record, and that record
should be placed in the patient's chart at the completion of the transfusion.
NOTE:
Do not begin the transfusion until any discrepancy in the above information is
resolved.
h. Rate of Infusion.
(1) The rate of infusion depends upon the clinical condition of the patient
and the product being transfused. In most administration sets, 15 drops equals 1 ml.
Most patients who are not in congestive heart failure or in danger of fluid overload
tolerate the infusion of one unit of RBCs in 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
(2) The transfusion should be completed in less than 4 hours because of the
dangers of bacterial proliferation and RBCs hemolysis at room temperature. If the
desired volume of RBCs will not be infused within 4 hours, the original unit should be
divided and one portion stored in the blood bank until it is needed.
MD0846
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