Who may transfuse blood products

[C Lumbert]

I am aware that transfusionists must be trained and competent, but there I question whether in my state (Michigan) the transfusionist must be a physician or RN.

The question arises when a service wants to transfer a patient by ambulance and transfusion is in progress or may take place enroute. Although the hospital policy states that a physician or RN must accompany the patient, this never happens. We are suggesting the hospital either change the policy or follow it.

I have tried a search of Michigan Regs. but found nothing.

Other than "trained and competent" has anyone encountered regulations governing who may transfuse blood products?

[Mary**]

Medics can transfuse in Indiana.

[Franklyn]

In Illinois it merely requires a "trained a competent" individual. Hospital policy requires a nurse or Dr., but even they do not follow the spirit of that "rule."

[kate murphy]

In MA, "trained and competent" - Hospital policy requires "trained and competent" as well - my pheresis techs go through the same training as nurses and anesthesiologists. After initial in-person training, competence is assessed on line by HealthStream

[Debbie McCaskill]

You may want to check your state board of nursing regulations. In the state of Louisiana, only registered nurses are supposed to transfuse blood products ( but I'm sure it is acceptable for M.D.'s to perform this also. However, I have medical technologists and a phlebotomist performing therapeutic apheresis and we had no formal training for transfusing blood products. Sad, isn't it?

[Gerald]

In Illinois it merely requires a "trained a competent" individual. Hospital policy requires a nurse or Dr., but even they do not follow the spirit of that "rule."

Franklyn,

Where do you find this requirement for Illinois?

[AMcCord]

I had asked about this and was told that once the patient is out the door for transfer, he/she has been discharged from the institution and what comes after that is not our problem. However, we all know that any transfusion reaction, no matter who gives it and where, would come back to haunt us. I've never been able to come up with a good answer nor has anyone I've asked about it been overly concerned.

[Ann Viernes]

Your hospital policy needs to state who may transfuse blood products. Transfusion of blood products is listed on our grid of medications and infusions. For each position, various meds or infusions are checked off. For example our apheresis specialists (not all RNs) may transfuse blood, infuse albumin, and administer heparin. Recently, respiratory techs who are trainied as ECMO specialists had blood transfusion added. Our transport policy allows transport of a patient, eg to physical therapy, x-ray, etc. with blood hanging, as long as the pre and 10 minute vitals have been recorded prior to transport. Only the transporter accompanies the patient. These are usually 5-10 minute trips.

So, follow your state laws, then establish local policy.