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


The preparation of the patient for the transfusion involves documentation of informed consent. Informed consent for transfusion means a dialogue has occurred between the patient and the doctor. The significant risks, benefits and alternatives to transfusion including the patient’s right to refuse the transfusion will have been discussed.

The length of time that consent is valid may range from a single prescription for an episode of care or as specified by the treating institution.

As a result of this discussion the patient should:

• Understand what medical actions is recommended.
• Be aware of the risks and benefits associated with the transfusion.
• Appreciate the risks, and possible consequences of not receiving the recommended therapy.
• Be given an opportunity to ask questions.
• Give consent for the transfusion.

The consent shall be documented by a consent doctor form or by documentation in the patient’s hospital record.

In circumstances where it is not possible to obtain informed consent before proceeding with transfusion (e.g. life threatening emergency, comatose patient, unaccompanied minor patient), it is acceptable to proceed without consent in the patient’s best interests, provided such action is documented in the patient’s hospital notes.