Blood Transfusion Sets

Blood transfusion sets should be connected directly to the venous access site. Moreover, all the blood transfusion set connections should be secured and directly luer-locked to the insertion site. Do not let air enter the blood component bag or administration set.

Remember to change the blood transfusion set if in need of multiple blood units: the administration set should be changed at least once every 12 hours in order to impede bacterial growth. Change it also if the administration set becomes occluded or immediately before the transfusion of platelets;

The transfusion of red blood cells should be completed within four hours after the unit has been removed from its controlled-temperature location.

Flushing through the blood leftovers in the line with 0.9% sodium chloride is not necessary nor suggested, as it may cause further flushing of particles through the filter. If one more IV infusion must be taken after the blood transfusion, it is suggested to use a new blood transfusion set in order to limit the risk of incompatible fluids or drugs, which may cause hemolysis of residual red cells left in the blood transfusion set.

Concerning children, the procedures are the same as for adults. The component bag should be left attached during the transfusion. It is very important for the doctor to specify both the volume in ml and the transfusion duration when prescribing pediatric transfusions.

Red cell preparations for intrauterine transfusion (IUT) should not be transfused straight from 4°C storage. Since nowadays there aren’t specifically designed warming systems for small volumes of blood, the warming process must be carried out with greater attention and the blood product doesn’t have to be exposed to high temperatures. Active warming may not be necessary if the blood component is removed from 4°C storage promptly and the infusion is given at an appropriate rate.

• Sturdy and sharp tip for easy insertion in the blood bag;
• Clear, transparent and resistant tubing of medical-grade bio-compatible PVC;
• Roller clamp able to control the flow of the blood;
• In compliance with ISO standards;
• Large drip chamber ensures trouble-free transfusions;
• Undesirable particles are filtered out through the transfusion filter;
• The luer slip or luer lock hub are suitable for use with injection needles, intravenous catheters and central venous catheters;
• Transparent tubing facilitates monitoring of the transfusion.

Do not add any medications to blood component packs. It is best not to use the same infusion line that was employed for blood to administer other drugs.
Keep the following point before using a blood transfusion set:

• Dextrose solution (5%) can cause hemolysis and therefore must not be mixed with blood components;
• Calcium-containing solutions can cause clotting of citrated blood;
• Hypothermia damages hemostasis and reduces red cell oxygen delivery to the tissues;
• Rapid transfusion of blood at low temperatures can reduce the patient’s core temperature by several degrees, which can cause cardiac arrest in adults. Rapid infusion devices can be used when large volumes have to be infused quickly and they usually incorporate a blood warming device;
• Blood should ONLY be warmed through specifically designed devices with a visible thermometer and audible warning, not through improvised alternative tools such as hot water, microwaves or radiators. Deadly episodes have been recorded in the past due to hemolytic transfusion reactions and bacterial contamination of the blood component, because of the use of inappropriate blood warming procedures;
• The needle gauge’s diameter should be large enough to allow for adequate flow rates and avoid cell damage;
• Avoid transfusion of blood components and administration of blood products at the same time. If this is unavoidable due to massive hemorrhage event, transfuse through two separate venous access sites when possible.

Blood transfusion sets are utilized to treat blood diseases or to supply blood. Blood transfusion sets are also used for the mixture of blood items.

The utilization of a blood transfusion set helps with keeping possibly unsafe diseases from being passed to the beneficiary.

They are useful to administer fresh blood products rapidly, such as in emergency situations.