Overall Supervision and Responsibility

The Specialist responsible for the patient obtains informed consent for the decision to recommend plasmapheresis and remains responsible for the patient’s condition during the plasmapheresis procedure. The Specialist should use the standard Canterbury District Health Board “Agreement to Treatment” form for this or write in the patient’s notes that the consent process has taken place. Consent for the use of blood products must also be obtained.

The Specialist responsible for the patient will liaise with the Transfusion Medical Officer/Specialist or Haematologist (see below) with regard to the actual plasmapheresis procedure. This will include deciding how many procedures are required, with what frequency, what replacement fluid should be used, and whether a central venous line is required and if so what type. It will also need to be decided whether the plasmapheresis procedure being planned carries any extra risks for that patient.

The Transfusion Medical Officer/ Specialist or Haematologist is responsible for ensuring that the plasmapheresis is carried out effectively and safely. The procedure itself and its risks will be discussed with the patient and informed consent using New Zealand Blood Service’s Plasmapheresis Consent Form will be obtained.

If the insertion of a central venous line is required, this will require a separate consent process and this is the responsibility of the patient’s Clinical Consultant and the staff inserting the line.

Responsibility for machine maintenance, adequate machine software, anti-coagulant, needles, product bags, supplies, etc, and maintenance of donor and patient’s records is the responsibility of the Apheresis Nurse.

The Transfusion Medical Officer/Specialist or the Haematologist will give the patient the Plasmapheresis Information sheet and give the referring Clinician the Information for Clinicians pamphlet. They will also complete the Patient Assessment form prior to plasmapheresis being carried out.


About this Canterbury DHB document (5148):
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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Topic Code: 5148