Jennifer Castle

We use a separate BB wristband, perform electronic crossmatch, and require a second draw on patients for whom we have no type history. (We may also use a separate draw, ie. CBC if available).  Last year, a patient was registered incorrectly (same name, different date of birth - so all bands, charts and labels were incorrect). It was caught by the phlebotomist performing that second draw. If I had ever questioned our process, I certainly did not look back after that near miss. We have to remember that patient identification IS the number one safety goal, because everything stems from that.

To the floors, units that are not in coolers. Also to our outpatient cancer center in another building, which do go in coolers, but are called for when they are ready to hang.

We require BB notification, and after prelim investigation, the Lab Medical Director makes the call whether it's ok  to continue for hives/itching, and whether additional units may be given. Hives category gets a clerical check and all other "Transfusion Reaction Symptoms" (as defined by AABB) require disconnection of unit and are worked up as reactions. The patient's MD does not make the call. We have a separate transfusion reaction categories for: 1) hives, itching 2) potential bacterial contamination and 3) everything else.

We require BB notification, and after prelim investigation, the Lab Medical Director makes the call whether it's ok  to continue for hives/itching, and whether additional units may be given. Hives category gets a clerical check and all other "Transfusion Reaction Symptoms" (as defined by AABB) require disconnection of unit and are worked up as reactions. The patient's MD does not make the call. We have a separate transfusion reaction categories for: 1) hives, itching 2) potential bacterial contamination and 3) everything else.