Blood transfusion therapy involves transfusing whole blood or blood components (specific portion or fraction of blood lacking in patient). One unit of whole blood consists of 450 mL of blood collected into 60 to 70 mL of preservative or anticoagulant. Whole blood stored for more than 6 hours does not provide therapeutic platelet transfusion, nor does it contain therapeutic amounts of labile coagulation factors (factors V and VIII).

1. Dr. Jayesh V. Patidar
www.drjayeshpatidar.blogspot.com
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2. Blood Transfusion Therapy
Blood transfusion therapy involves transfusing whole blood or blood components
(specific portion or fraction of blood lacking in patient). One unit of whole blood consists
of 450 mL of blood collected into 60 to 70 mL of preservative or anticoagulant. Whole
blood stored for more than 6 hours does not provide therapeutic platelet transfusion, nor
does it contain therapeutic amounts of labile coagulation factors (factors V and VIII).
Blood components include:
1. Packed RBCs (100% of erythrocyte, 100% of leukocytes, and 20% of plasma
originally present in one unit of whole blood), indicated to increase the oxygen-
carrying capacity of blood with minimal expansion of blood.
2. Leukocyte-poor packed RBCs, indicated for patients who have experience
previous febrile no hemolytic reactions.
3. Platelets, either HLA (human leukocyte antigen) matched or unmatched.
4. Granulocytes ( basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils )
5. Fresh frozen plasma, containing all coagulation factors, including factors V and
VIII (the labile factors).
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3. 6. Single donor plasma, containing all stable coagulation factors but reduced levels
of factors V and VIII; the preferred product for reversal of Coumadin-induced
anticoagulation.
7. Albumin, a plasma protein.
8. Cryoprecipitate, a plasma derivative rich in factor VIII, fibrinogen, factor XIII, and
fibronectin.
9. Factor IX concentrate, a concentrated form of factor IX prepared by pooling,
fractionating, and freeze-drying large volumes of plasma.
10.Factor VIII concentrate, a concentrated form of factor IX prepared by pooling,
fractionating, and freeze-drying large volumes of plasma.
11.Prothrombin complex, containing prothrombin and factors VII, IX, X, and some
factor XI.
Advantages of blood component therapy
1. Avoids the risk of sensitizing the patients to other blood components.
2. Provides optimal therapeutic benefit while reducing risk of volume overload.
3. Increases availability of needed blood products to larger population.
Principles of blood transfusion therapy
1. Whole blood transfusion
o Generally indicated only for patients who need both increased oxygen-
carrying capacity and restoration of blood volume when there is no time
to prepare or obtain the specific blood components needed.
2. Packed RBCs
o Should be transfused over 2 to 3 hours; if patient cannot tolerate volume
over a maximum of 4 hours, it may be necessary for the blood bank to
divide a unit into smaller volumes, providing proper refrigeration of
remaining blood until needed. One unit of packed red cells should raise
hemoglobin approximately 1%, hemactocrit 3%.
3. Platelets
o Administer as rapidly as tolerated (usually 4 units every 30 to 60 minutes).
EaĐh uŶit of platelets should raise the reĐipieŶt’s platelet ĐouŶt ďLJ6000 to
10,000/mm3: however, poor incremental increases occur with
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4. alloimmunization from previous transfusions, bleeding, fever, infection,
autoimmune destruction, and hypertension.
4. Granulocytes
o May be beneficial in selected population of infected, severely
granulocytopenic patients (less than 500/mm3) not responding to
antibiotic therapy and who are expected to experienced prolonged
suppressed granulocyte production.
5. Plasma
o Because plasma carries a risk of hepatitis equal to that of whole blood, if
only volume expansion is required, other colloids (e.g., albumin) or
electrolyte solutions (e.g., RiŶger’s laĐtateͿare preferred. Fresh frozeŶ
plasma should be administered as rapidly as tolerated because
coagulation factors become unstable after thawing.
6. Albumin
o Indicated to expand to blood volume of patients in hypovolemic shock and
to elevate level of circulating albumin in patients with hypoalbuminemia.
The large protein molecule is a major contributor to plasma oncotic
pressure.
7. Cryoprecipitate
o IŶdiĐated for treatŵeŶt of heŵophilia A, VoŶ WilleďraŶd’s disease,
disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and uremic bleeding.
8. Factor IX concentrate
o Indicated for treatment of hemophilia B; carries a high risk of hepatitis
because it requires pooling from many donors.
9. Factor VIII concentrate
o Indicated for treatment of hemophilia A; heat-treated product decreases
the risk of hepatitis and HIV transmission.
10.Prothrombin complex-Indicated in congenital or acquired deficiencies of these
factors.
Objectives
1. To increase circulating blood volume after surgery, trauma, or hemorrhage
2. To increase the number of RBCs and to maintain hemoglobin levels in clients with
severe anemia
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5. 3. To provide selected cellular components as replacements therapy (e.g. clotting
factors, platelets, albumin)
Nursing Interventions
1. VerifLJdoĐtor’s order. IŶforŵ the ĐlieŶt aŶd edžplaiŶ the purpose of the procedure.
2. Check for cross matching and typing. To ensure compatibility
3. Obtain and record baseline vital signs
4. Practice strict Asepsis
5. At least 2 licensed nurse check the label of the blood transfusion
o Check the following:
 Serial number
 Blood component
 Blood type
 Rh factor
 Expiration date
 Screening test (VDRL, HBsAg, malarial smear) – *this is to ensure
that the blood is free from blood-carried diseases and therefore,
safe from transfusion.
6. Warm blood at room temperature before transfusion to prevent chills.
7. IdeŶtifLJĐlieŶt properlLJ.Tǁ o Nurses ĐheĐk the ĐlieŶt’s ideŶtifiĐatioŶ.
8. Use needle gauge 18 to 19. This allows easy flow of blood.
9. Use BT set with special micron mesh filter. To prevent administration of blood
clots and particles.
10.Start infusion slowly at 10 gtts/min. Remain at bedside for 15 to 30 minutes.
Adverse reaction usually occurs during the first 15 to 20 minutes.
11.Monitor vital signs. Altered vital signs indicate adverse reaction.
12. Do not mix medications with blood transfusion. To prevent adverse effects
o Do not incorporate medication into the blood transfusion
o Do not use blood transfusion lines for IV push of medication.
13. Administer 0.9% NaCl before; during or after BT. Never administer IV fluids with
dextrose. Dextrose causes hemolysis.
14. Administer BT for 4 hours (whole blood, packed RBC). For plasma, platelets,
cryoprecipitate, transfuse quickly (20 minutes) clotting factor can easily be
destroyed.
15.Observe for potential complications. Notify physician.
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6. Complications of Blood Transfusion
1. Allergic Reaction – it is caused by sensitivity to plasma protein of donor antibody,
which reacts with recipient antigen.
o Assessments:
 Flushing
 Rush, hives
 Pruritus
 Laryngeal edema, difficulty of breathing
2. Febrile, Non-Hemolytic – it is caused by hypersensitivity to donor white cells,
platelets or plasma proteins. This is the most symptomatic complication of blood
transfusion
o Assessments:
 Sudden chills and fever
 Flushing
 Headache
 Anxiety
3. Septic Reaction – it is caused by the transfusion of blood or components
contaminated with bacteria.
o Assessment:
 Rapid onset of chills
 Vomiting
 Marked Hypotension
 High fever
4. Circulatory Overload – it is caused by administration of blood volume at a rate
greater than the circulatory system can accommodate.
o Assessment:
 Rise in venous pressure
 Dyspnea
 Crackles or rales
 Distended neck vein
 Cough
 Elevated BP
5. Hemolytic reaction. It is caused by infusion of incompatible blood products.
o Assessment:
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7.  Low back pain (first sign). This is due to inflammatory response of
the kidneys to incompatible blood.
 Chills
 Feeling of fullness
 Tachycardia
 Flushing
 Tachypnea
 Hypotension
 Bleeding
 Vascular collapse
 Acute renal failure
Assessment findings
1. Clinical manifestations of transfusions complications vary depending on the
precipitating factor.
2. Signs and symptoms of hemolytic transfusion reaction include:
oFever
o Chills
o low back pain
oflank pain o
headache o
nausea
o flushing
o tachycardia
o tachypnea
o hypotension
o hemoglobinuria (cola-colored urine)
3. Clinical signs and laboratory findings in delayed hemolytic reaction include:
o fever
o mild jaundice
o gradual fall of hemoglobin
o positiǀe Cooŵďs’ test
4. Febrile non-hemolytic reaction is marked by:
o Temperature rise during or shortly after transfusion
o Chills
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8. o headache
o flushing
o anxiety
5. Signs and symptoms of septic reaction include;
o Rapid onset of high fever and chills
o vomiting
o diarrhea
o marked hypotension
6. Allergic reactions may produce:
o hives
o generalized pruritus
o wheezing or anaphylaxis (rarely)
7. Signs and symptoms of circulatory overload include:
o Dyspnea
o cough
o rales
o jugular vein distention
8. Manifestations of infectious disease transmitted through transfusion may
develop rapidly or insidiously, depending on the disease.
9. Characteristics of GVH disease include:
o skin changes (e.g. erythema, ulcerations, scaling)
o edema
o hair loss
o hemolytic anemia
10.Reactions associated with massive transfusion produce varying manifestations
Possible Nursing Diagnosis
1. Ineffective breathing pattern
2. Decreased Cardiac Output
3. Fluid Volume Deficit
4. Fluid Volume Excess
5. Impaired Gas Exchange
6. Hyperthermia
7. Hypothermia
8. High Risk for Infection
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9. 9. High Risk for Injury
10.Pain
11.Impaired Skin Integrity
12. Altered Tissue Perfusion
Planning and Implementation
1. Help prevent transfusion reaction by:
o Meticulously verifying patient identification beginning with type and cross
match sample collection and labeling to double check blood product and
patient identification prior to transfusion.
o Inspecting the blood product for any gas bubbles, clothing, or abnormal
color before administration.
o Beginning transfusion slowly ( 1 to 2 mL/min) and observing the patient
closely, particularly during the first 15 minutes (severe reactions usually
manifest within 15 minutes after the start of transfusion).
o Transfusing blood within 4 hours, and changing blood tubing every 4 hours
to minimize the risk of bacterial growth at warm room temperatures.
o Preventing infectious disease transmission through careful donor
screening or performing pretest available to identify selected infectious
agents.
o Preventing GVH disease by ensuring irradiation of blood products
containing viaďle WBC’s ;i.e., ǁhole ďlood, platelets, paĐked RBC’s aŶd
granulocytes) before transfusion; irradiation alters ability of donor
lymphocytes to engraft and divide.
o Preventing hypothermia by warming blood unit to 37 C before transfusion.
o Removing leukocytes and platelets aggregates from donor blood by
installing a microaggregate filter (20-40-um size) in the blood line to
remove these aggregates during transfusion.
2. On detecting any signs or symptoms of reaction:
o Stop the transfusion immediately, and notify the physician.
o Disconnect the transfusion set-but keep the IV line open with 0.9% saline
to provide access for possible IV drug infusion.
o Send the blood bag and tubing to the blood bank for repeat typing and
culture.
o Draw another blood sample for plasma hemoglobin, culture, and retyping.
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10. o Collect a urine sample as soon as possible for hemoglobin determination.
3. Intervene as appropriate to address symptoms of the specific reaction:
o Treatment for hemolytic reaction is directed at correcting hypotension,
DIC, and renal failure associated with RBC hemolysis and hemoglobinuria.
o Febrile, nonhemolytic transfusion reactions are treated symptomatically
with antipyretics; leukocyte-poor blood products may be recommended
for subsequent transfusions.
o In septic reaction, treat septicemia with antibiotics, increased hydration,
steroids and vasopressors as prescribed.
o Intervene for allergic reaction by administering antihistamines, steroids
and epinephrine as indicated by the severity of the reaction. (If hives are
the only manifestation, transfusion can sometimes continue but at a
slower rate.)
o For circulatory overload, immediate treatment includes positioning the
patient upright with feet dependent; diuretics, oxygen and aminophylline
may be prescribed.
Nursing Interventions when complications occurs in Blood transfusion
1. If blood transfusion reaction occurs. STOP THE TRANSFUSION.
2. Start IV line (0.9% Na Cl)
3. PlaĐethe ĐlieŶt iŶ foǁ l er’s positioŶ if ǁ ith SOB aŶd adŵiŶister O2 therapLJ.
4. The nurse remains with the client, observing signs and symptoms and monitoring
vital signs as often as every 5 minutes.
5. Notify the physician immediately.
6. The nurse prepares to administer emergency drugs such as antihistamines,
ǀasopressor, fluids, aŶd steroids as per phLJsiĐiaŶ’s order or protocol.
7. Obtain a urine specimen and send to the laboratory to determine presence of
hemoglobin as a result of RBC hemolysis.
8. Blood container, tubing, attached label, and transfusion record are saved and
returned to the laboratory for analysis.
Evaluation
1. The patient maintains normal breathing pattern.
2. The patient demonstrates adequate cardiac output.
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11. 3. The patient reports minimal or no discomfort.
4. The patient maintains good fluid balance.
5. The patient remains normothermic.
6. The patient remains free of infection.
7. The patient maintains good skin integrity, with no lesions or pruritus.
8. The patient maintains or returns to normal electrolyte and blood chemistry
values.
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