Blood is used only when it is absolutely necessary after a careful clinical assessment and measurement of a patient’s haemoglobin (or PCV).
It is inappropriate to use blood to treat patients with:
- Stable anaemia without signs of heart failure or respiratory distress which can be treated by other means.
- Acute blood loss when it is possible to use replacement fluids (crystalloids or colloids) to maintain blood pressure and oxygenation.
Recipients may be placed at high risk when using blood that;
- Has been collected from a high risk donor.
- Has not been collected aseptically using a sterile technique.
- Has not been transported or stored correctly.
- Has not been screened for important pathogens using sensitive assays.
- Has not been typed (grouped) and compatibility tested correctly using standardized controlled procedures.
Measures taken to reduce the need for blood transfusion
- Reducing the prevalence and severity of anaemia, particularly among pregnant and young children.
- Avoiding obstetric related haemorrhages by improving antenatal care and attendance at clinics. Implementing effective malaria control.
- Using health education to improve nutrition and awareness of the causes of anaemia and its prevention.
- Reducing blood loss during surgery and ensuring alternatives to blood are available
Lablink 