Blood Component Requisition Form
Blood Component Requisition Form
Blood samples for cross-matching require 3 ml of clotted samples in a screw-cap flat bottom tube and another 2 ml of blood in EDTA, also in a screw-cap tube. The samples must be properly labelled in capital letters with the patient's name, bed, ward, registered numbers, hospital name, and date on the sample tubes to avoid mistakes .
In case of adverse reactions to blood transfusions, the guidelines dictate that the residual blood in the packet should be preserved, and the blood bank needs to be informed about the incident. This allows for further investigation or analysis that could prevent future reactions and maintain patient safety .
The attending physician is responsible for drawing and labelling the blood sample personally, justifying the need for the transfusion. The requisition form must also be duly countersigned by the superintendent of the hospital or an authorized officer, which implies a layer of verification and responsibility in the transfusion request process .
The document states that the concept of 'fresh blood' does not exist, implying that it is not recognized as a valid or necessary requirement in transfusion practices. Consequently, single unit transfusions are deemed to have very little utility, suggesting that the freshness of the blood does not significantly affect the outcome of the transfusion and that larger or more strategically chosen quantities are preferred .
Compatibility of blood units is ensured through several tests, including major and minor saline tests, Coomb's test, and any special test deemed necessary. These compatibility checks are performed before issuing blood if they are confirmed to be compatible .
The screening tests for blood components follow the guidelines provided by the Directorate General of Health Services and the National Blood Policy. These tests ensure the blood is screened for infectious markers and is non-reactive to HIV-1 & 2, HCY, HBs Ag, MP, and RPR .
Private nursing homes are advised to send their requisitions between 10:00 and 14:00 hours on weekdays, and between 10:00 and 12:30 hours on Saturdays and Sundays. These time frames ensure that there are personnel available to process and fulfill the requests efficiently, preventing delays that could impact patient care .
The labelling of blood sample tubes with specific details such as the patient's name, bed, ward, registered numbers, hospital name, and date is significant because it helps prevent errors and misidentifications during cross-matching and transfusion processes. Proper labelling ensures that each blood sample can be correctly matched to the corresponding patient, thus minimizing the risk of transfusion reactions or compatibility errors .
The blood requisition form emphasizes accountability and traceability by requiring the attending physician to declare that they have personally drawn and labelled the sample, and to justify the need for a transfusion. Additionally, forms must be countersigned by the hospital superintendent or an authorized officer, which ensures that a responsible party reviews and endorses each request thoroughly, establishing a clear chain of responsibility .
Single unit transfusions are considered to have limited utility likely because they may not meet the clinical needs of patients requiring more significant blood volume support. Alternatives like multiple unit transfusions or component-specific transfusion strategies could provide a more effective response to pathological conditions requiring blood transfusions, as they ensure adequate volume and support tailored to the patient's specific requirements .