Guidelines for auditing pediatric blood transfusion practices
V. S. Blanchette, H. A. Hume, G. J. Levy, N. L. Luban and R. G. Strauss
Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
Although transfusion of blood products is an essential and potentially
life-saving measure, not all blood transfusions are beneficial to patients.
The associated risks, particularly transfusion-transmitted viral illnesses,
such as hepatitis and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, require that
careful consideration be given before a decision is made to transfuse any
blood product. Many institutions have established a local committee to
monitor transfusion practices and audit such practices regularly. To assist
in this task, the Pediatric Hemotherapy Committee of the American
Association of Blood Banks has developed guidelines for the conduct of
pediatric blood transfusion audits. These guidelines, summarized herein,
cover transfusion of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells,
fresh-frozen plasma, albumin, and clotting concentrates. The use of
cytomegalovirus low-risk and irradiated blood products is also discussed.
Throughout the report, special attention is given to the transfusion needs
of newborn infants.
