Two samples for blood transfusion: single centre experience. Issue 4 (30th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thomas, W.; Davies, J.; Asamoah, A.; Scott‐Molloy, C.; Sansom, V.; Kerr, J.
• Is Part Of: Transfusion medicine. Volume 24:Issue 4(2014)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2014-04-30
• Subjects: Blood -- Transfusion -- Periodicals; 615.39
• DOI: 10.1111/tme.12122
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-7578

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="tme12122-abs-0001"> <title>SUMMARY</title> <sec id="tme12122-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p id="tme12122-para-0001">The aim of this study was to evaluate the introduction of two‐sample policy for transfusion at our hospital and reduction of the risk of ABO incompatible transfusion.</p> </sec> <sec id="tme12122-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p id="tme12122-para-0002">ABO incompatible transfusion can be a fatal but avoidable event. Wrong blood in tube is a cause of ABO incompatible transfusion and there are various strategies available to try and expunge this event.</p> </sec> <sec id="tme12122-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p id="tme12122-para-0003">Survey of policy/practice before and after the introduction of a two‐sample policy.</p> </sec> <sec id="tme12122-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p id="tme12122-para-0004">Staff training is inadequate in reducing the risk of ABO incompatible transfusion. A two‐sample policy was introduced and does not significantly increase workload or use of group O blood and does not compromise patient safety by causing delay in blood provision. <italic>Post hoc</italic> analysis confirms good understanding of the policy by medical staff. Observation of medical staff taking transfusion samples demonstrated consistent deviation from policy, enforcing the need for confirmatory samples.</p> </sec> <sec id="tme12122-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p id="tme12122-para-0005">A two‐sample policy adds an extra layer of safety to transfusion practice and can be introduced without creating new problems.</p> </sec> </abstract>