How to Transfuse Blood

Type and Rh * 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) Type and Screen * 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! Type and Cross * 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 Emergency Release Blood * Universal donor is O negative* Order if you can’t wait 30 minutes because the patient is dying Additional Reading * Straight Talk with an ER Doc with Scott Weingart (BBGuy Podcast)