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Policies and protocols for post-transfusion assessment of outpatients

A Clinical Laboratory Operations Manager of a Blood Bank, Apheresis and Donor Room in Georgia reports that his institution is attempting to develop a policy for post-transfusion assessment in the outpatient setting. They currently do not test outpatient transfusion recipients for post-transfusion hemoglobin levels, since each outpatient is usually sent home shortly after completion of their transfusion. He would like to know if any facilities are routinely testing outpatients for post-transfusion blood counts (H/H, etc), and/or what other institutions are doing in terms of post-transfusion assessment of outpatients.

Editor's NOTE: According to AABB Standards for Blood Banks and Transfusion Services, 23rd Edition

5.19.7 The patient shall be observed for potential adverse events during the transfusion and for an appropriate time thereafter.

5.19.8 Specific instructions concerning possible adverse events shall be provided to the patient or a responsible caregiver when direct medical observation or monitoring of the patient will not be available after transfusion.

Please submit comments to the e-Network Forum.

Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator
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Posted: December 28, 2005

Addenda:

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