How long before blood transfusion can patient informed consent be obtained?
An RN from a medical center in Southern California asks how long before a transfusion is given can the patient's consent be obtained? Her facility hopes to increase compliance with documentation of informed consent for blood products by having physicians obtain patient signatures during pre-op office visits. Since elective surgeries are sometimes scheduled 30-60 days in advance, would getting the blood consent signed at this time be valid?
The following comments have been received.
ADDENDA June 1, 2012
- At an academic center in Los Angeles, transfusion consent is obtained for each hospital admission or at least once per year for outpatients.
- A blood bank director in northern California notes that it is reasonable to obtain the informed consent for blood transfusion in advance at the same time the surgical consent is obtained. The risk/benefits and alternatives to transfusion are often discussed during the same visit as the risks and benefits of surgery.
Submit comments to the e-Network Forum at enetworkforum@cbbsweb.org
Ira A. Shulman, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Senior Editor & Moderator
W. Tait Stevens, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Editor & Moderator
Elizabeth M. St. Lezin, MD
CBBS e-Network Forum Associate Editor & Moderator
The e-Network Forum is supported in part by the California Blood Bank Society (CBBS) and the American Red Cross Blood Services (ARCBS) and endorses collegial discussion among blood banking and transfusion medicine professionals. However, neither the CBBS nor the ARCBS in any way endorse the specific views and opinions expressed in the forum. The forum is not intended as a substitute for medical or legal advice and the content should not be relied upon for any medical or legal purposes. Readers should make their own determinations as to: (i) what constitutes appropriate medical, technical, and administrative practices, and (ii) how best to comply with laws and regulations relevant to their questions. For the latter, they should consider consulting, as to any medical matters, a qualified physician, and, as to any legal matters, an attorney familiar with related state and federal laws. The user of the forum, by accessing same, assumes all risks arising out of such use and releases CBBS and their respective members, directors, officers and agents from and against any loss, damage, claim or liability arising out of such use of the Forum.
