Guidelines / Advice

Ordering and Administration of Blood

Preparation of the patient l Correct identification and verification of the patient and the blood unit l Correct aseptic technique l Monitoring of the patient during the transfusion l Special precautions


Procedures for the administration of blood may vary in different hospitals but safety is always the primary concern. As monitoring of the patient during transfusion is often a nursing responsibility, accurate and thorough guidelines should be available for all nurses.

In order to ensure the safety of transfusion, these guidelines should include:

1. Preparation of the patient
2. Correct identification and verification of the patient and the blood unit
3. Correct aseptic technique
4. Careful observation of the patient during transfusion
5. Special precautions