Organisation – NZBS and B6

Blood Transfusion services are provided by the New Zealand Blood Services. In Christchurch they have two sites. The Blood Donor Centre processing and accreditation facilities are now located at 15 Lester Lane. The Blood Bank (Crossmatching Laboratory) is on the Lower Ground Floor of Christchurch Hospital. Tissue typing is now done in Auckland.

Some 30 to 40 patients under the care of the Haematology Unit currently receive regular blood transfusions every 2 to 6 weeks. They may be transfused in the Day Ward, Medical Day Stay, or as inpatients if unsuitable for outpatient care.

A single consent for ongoing transfusion covers repeated transfusion treatment for the condition and associated complications. Find out pre-medication requirements before organising the blood transfusion.

Should the patient require pre-medication, document it in their notes and on the consent form, so that information is available when the patient next presents. Place a B6 "Premeds Required" sticker on the patient's blood product consent form.

Note: In the case of febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions, there is no evidence to support pre-medication with antipyretics such as paracetamol. In the case of recurrent (mild-moderate) allergic reactions, pre-medication with antihistamines +/- corticosteroids is advised.


About this Canterbury DHB document (5097):
Document Owner:	Steve Gibbons (see Who's Who)
Last Reviewed:	June 2019
Next Review:	June 2022
Keywords:
Note: Only the electronic version is controlled. Once printed, this is no longer a controlled document. Disclaimer The Haematology Department Protocols and Guidelines (the Red Book) are intended as a guide for registered health professionals to communicate guidelines and share best practices with supporting health professionals within New Zealand district health boards. They are not intended to be provided to or used as a reference for patients or non-registered health professionals. All health professionals must exercise their own clinical judgement and use pertinent clinical data when treating patients. The authors and editors of this publication have checked with sources believed to be reliable in their effort to provide information that is complete and in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, in view of the possibility of human error or changes in medical science, neither the authors, editors, publisher, nor any other party who has been involved in preparing or publishing this work warrants that the information contained in it is accurate or complete in every respect. They therefore have no liability (whether in tort (including negligence) or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising out of any reliance on this information. This publication has been compiled by the staff and contractors of Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) and as such CDHB has copyright for this book. Amendments must be authorised in accordance with the documented process. No release of part of, or all of, this publication to any other party or organisation is permissible without the prior approval of the designated document owner.
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