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How to administer Red Cells - Quick Guide

Resuspended Red Cells - 220-340mL
Paediatric Packs - each donation is divided into 4 paediatric doses - 55-85mL
Haematocrit-adjusted blood is used for neonatal exchange transfusions and intrauterine transfusion
Whole Blood - 405-513mL

redcells

a group O patient can receive only group O red cells
a group A patient can receive group A or O red cells
a group B patient can receive group B or O red cells
a group AB patient can receive group AB, A, B or O red cells
ABO incompatible transfusions can be fatal. Always check the the red cells against the patient at the bedside.

Transfusion of red cells are normally Rh(D) identical
Rh(D) negative red cells may be given to Rh(D) positive recipients without creating any risk for immunisation
In life threatening emergencies, Rh(D) positive cells may be given to an Rh(D) negative recipient but there is a risk that this will stimulate the production of anti-D. The Blood Bank will provide guidance. The Clinician must be notified.
Rh(D) positive red cells may be provided by the Blood Bank for males, and for females beyond reproductive years, if supplies of Rh(D) negative red cells are low.

Must be stored in an appropriately monitored (2-6°C) blood refrigerator according to Blood Bank standards. Never store in a drug or food fridge.
If the transfusion can not be started within 30 minutes, return the component to the Blood Bank immediately for appropriate storage.

Use a standard blood infusion set that has a 170-200 micron filter.
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All fresh components, including FFP and cryoprecipitate, are leucodepleted at source by NZBS. No bedside leucodepletion is necessary.

Paediatrics:
- top-up transfusion in a non-bleeding patient is typically given at 5mL/kg/hr
- exchange transfusion: depends on stability of the baby - discuss with NICU consultant
- resuscitation: rapid infusion based on the patient's haemodynamics
Adults:
- top-up transfusion in a non-bleeding patient: most adults will tolerate one unit every 90 minutes. Consider a slower rate in patients with or at risk of congestive cardiac failure
- resuscitation: rapid infusion based on the patient's haemodynamics
- Infusion of all components should be completed within 4 hours of leaving refrigerated storage.

DO NOT add medication to red cell components
DO NOT use 5% Dextrose solutions (may induce haemolysis)
DO NOT use Lactated Ringer's or other balanced salt solutions that contain Calcium, as this may induce clot formation in the blood bag and / or administration set.

4-5mL/kg will raise the patient's Haemoglobin level by approximately 10g/L.
It is recommended that the patient's haemoglobin be checked between units if giving multiple units.
For paediatric patients, the dose should be written in mL, not units.