Introduction to the Operating Room
LESSON 3: Safety in the Operating Room
3-13
3-13. ADMINISTRATION OF BLOOD
Certain safety precautions must be observed when administering blood to a patient to help prevent errors and reactions. The circulating specialist usually assists with the administration of blood.
a. Unless ordered otherwise, the blood is to be kept refrigerated until it is to be administered.
b. The information recorded on the label on the blood container is to be checked against the Standard Form 518, "Medical Record--Blood or Blood Component Transfusion," to be sure the blood is that which is intended for the patient. The container and SF 518 should be checked by a medical officer (usually the anesthesiologist) as well as the circulating specialist before the transfusion is started.
c. Unfiltered blood is never to be given. A blood recipient set, which is equipped with a filter is to be used.
d. The unit of blood is to be rotated gently to disperse the cells evenly. The blood is not to be shaken, as this would damage the red cells.
e. When pressure is being applied to a container of blood to speed the rate of transfusion, the container must be kept under constant observation. As soon as the container has less than a quarter of its total contents remaining, the pressure must be released. These precautions are taken to prevent the occurrence of air embolism, which could prove fatal to the patient.
