Administering a blood transfusion is the process of giving blood, or components of blood, into the vein of a patient. When undertaking this procedure, it is essential to ensure that the right component is given to the right patient, at the right time, and for the right reason. The procedure can only be performed by a qualified practitioner who has been trained and assessed as being competent in the process. This will be either a registered nurse, a fully qualified operating department practitioner, or a medical practitioner. It is essential to ensure all the relevant checks of the patient and blood component are carried out, to ensure the administration of the correct component to the correct patient. Administration of the wrong component to the wrong patient can result in a fatal transfusion reaction. It is vital to monitor the patient before, during, and after the procedure for possible reactions to the transfusion, and to take appropriate action if necessary. The following procedure is applicable when transfusing red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate and granulocytes. The procedure will be demonstrated for a red cell transfusion.
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