How to Transfuse Blood

Summary: <br> Type and Rh<br> <br> <br> <br> * What information it provides* Blood type (A, B, AB, O)* Rh status (Rh positive or negative)* When to order* Pregnant patients with vaginal bleeding* Need if Rh negative (prevents hemolytic disease of newborn)<br> <br> <br> <br> Type and Screen<br> <br> <br> <br> * What information it provides* Blood type (A, B, AB, O)* Rh status (Rh positive or negative)* PLUS* Antibody status* Looks for all possible antibodies that may cause transfusion reaction* When to order* When the patient needs/might need a blood transfusion* Test typically takes 30 minutes to run… ORDER EARLY!<br> <br> <br> <br> Type and Cross<br> <br> <br> <br> * What information it provides* Blood type (A, B, AB, O)* Rh status (Rh positive or negative)* Antibody status* PLUS* Specifically tests against patients blood* This blood is then set aside and officially “matched”* Acts as a final safety step before transfusion<br> <br> <br> <br> Emergency Release Blood<br> <br> <br> <br> * Universal donor is O negative* Order if you can’t wait 30 minutes because the patient is dying<br> <br> <br> <br> Additional Reading<br> <br> <br> <br> * Straight Talk with an ER Doc with Scott Weingart <a href="https://www.bbguy.org/2017/06/19/033/">(BBGuy Podcast)</a><br>