Blood transfusion: crucial steps in maintaining safe practice

The transfusion of blood and blood products remains a highly effective and potentially life-saving treatment for many patients. However, blood is a living tissue and its transfusion, from one individual to another, is not without risk. Significant among these risks is the potential for human error and the subsequent transfusion of the incorrect blood component. Alarmingly, the number of errors would appear to be increasing, with the second annual report of the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) Steering Group reporting a 36% increase in these cases (SHOT, 1999). Reversing this trend can only be achieved by adopting all inclusive and rigorous blood transfusion procedures. The registered nurse is central to such processes and therefore plays a crucial role in the safe administration of blood and blood products. This article considers the nurse's responsibilities and offers evidence-based guidelines for practice.