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Administration
How often do I need to change the IV administration set?
Can I use an electronic infusion pump to administer blood components and products?
Is green Albumex safe to use?
If blood is leucodepleted, do I still need to use a filtered line?
How soon following a red cell transfusion should I repeat the Haemoglobin level?
How soon following a platelet infusion should I repeat the Platelet count?
How soon following the administration of FFP/Prothrombinex should I check the INR level?
Blood Components and Products
How do I order Intragam?
How do I order blood?
Blood Sample
What tube do I need for a crossmatch?
Consent
How long is consent valid for?
Who is responsble for obtaining consent for blood transfusion?
Ordering Blood
How do I know if the second unit of blood is ready?
Miscellaneous
What is the fax number for the Austin Blood Bank?
Frequently Asked Questions - Administration
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How often do I need to change the IV administration set? |
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Blood administration sets must be changed within 8 hours or at the end of transfusion, whichever is sooner. |
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Can I use an electronic infusion pump to administer blood components and products? |
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Alaris GP Guardrails volumetric pumps are used at Austin Health. All blood components and products, with the exception of granulocytes, can be administered using this device. |
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If blood is leucodepleted, do I still need to use a filtered line? |
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Yes. A blood administration set with a standard 170-200 micron filter must be used. This filter removes clots and small debris that may form during blood collection and storage. |
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How soon following a red cell transfusion should I repeat the Haemoglobin level? |
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A blood sample to check the increase in haemoglobin level can be taken between 15 - 60 minutes following red cell transfusion for the haemodynamically stable patient. |
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How soon following a platelet infusion should I repeat the Platelet count? |
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A blood sample to check the increase in platelet level can be taken between 15 - 60 minutes following platelet administration for the haemodynamically stable patient. |
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How soon following the administration of FFP/Prothrombinex should I check the INR level? |
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The INR level can be checked 15 - 60 minutes following the administration of FFP/Prothrombinex for the haemodynamically stable patient. |
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Frequently Asked Questions - Consent
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How long is consent valid for? |
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Acute patients: For patients receiving a blood transfusion associated with surgery or a medical condition, consent is valid for the admission.
Chronic patients: Patients whose treatment program involves regular blood transfusion e.g. haematology, oncology, renal, liver unit, consent is valid for 12 months. Consent shall be reviewed earlier if alternative treatments become available or new risks associated with the supply of blood are identified.
Emergency Transfusions: will be administered if there is no evidence that the patient has objected to blood transfusion.
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Who is responsble for obtaining consent for blood transfusion? |
Medical staff are responsible for obtaining consent.
Nursing staff are responsible for ensuring consent is obtained prior to commencing a blood transfusion. |
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Frequently Asked Questions - Ordering Blood
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How do I know if the second unit of blood is ready? |
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The second unit of blood will always be ready. When a request for crossmatch is processed, the entire order is prepared, whether it be 2, 3 or 4 units of blood. |
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Miscellaneous
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What is the fax number for the Austin Blood Bank? |
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9496 5264 |
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