3 questions...

1. Is there something in your nursing procedures stating that a transfusion should be started slowly the first 15 minutes and what is the rate?

2. Do you routinely premedicate with Tylenol and Benedryl? Possibly masking transfusion reactions?

3. What is your policy in starting transfusions in patients that already have a fever?

Any feedback would be appreciated

1. Yes--90 ml/hr.

2. Only if previous transfusion with fever or hives.

3. Fever OK--look for 2 F rise in temp.

Hope this helps.

AABB website has a Blood Administration Primer that includes info like the rate and lots of other good nursing stuff. Might be available to members only I suppose. Hmm. Wonder if we could get it on here somehow.

Our nursing procedure states to start the transfusion slowly (5ml/min or less) and observe patient carefully for symptoms (direct observation) for the first 15 min. After 15 min, recheck the vitals and if okay, speed up the rate to finish within the 2-4 hr timeframe.