Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major
Thalassemia Patients in the UK
Andy Battaglia:
From http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=12787&nbr=6589&ss=6&xl=999
--- Quote ---Administration of a Blood Transfusion
* A transfusion of red blood cells should commence within six hours of removal of the unit from a refrigerator. The transfusion of a unit of red blood cells should be completed within six hours from the start.
* If a red blood cell product has been at room temperature for two hours, it must not be returned to a refrigerator for storage but it must either be transfused (see above) or discarded and returned to the blood bank for writeoff (according to the local practice).
* Before starting a transfusion check the patient's vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, pulse and temperature).
* Transfusion of red blood cells may usually be commenced immediately after the product has been taken out of refrigerator.
* If the patient has significant cold agglutinins [Note: Antibodies], red blood cell products should be warmed during transfusion with an approved commercial blood warmer. The temperature must not exceed +37 degrees C due to the risk of haemolysis.
--- End quote ---
Some warming of the blood may be indicated in many thals due to the possible problems involving cold antibodies. The cited website is very good. There is another excellent site called ClinLab Navigator that explains most tests and also has a great section on transfusions. This can be found at
http://www.clinlabnavigator.com/transfusion/bloodadmin.html The links on the left cover all areas related to transfusions. The page on blood administration is excellent and can serve as guidelines for what should be done during transfusions. Please everyone, pay special attention to the requirements for "Confirming Patient And Donor Identity". Following these procedures can literally save your life.
maha:
Hi Rozitka
The hospital where my son transfuses uses a blood warmer sometimes, but most of the time they wait for an hour or so if the blood is very cold.
maha
souly:
My son also receives blood which is warmed for a period of time, say 1 hour to prevent certain reactions.
Souly
Lyanne:
Hi all! we also have it warmed before transfusing the blood, when we were still having our bt my sis and I. :wink
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