Collect blood / blood products from storage for transfusion

URN: SFHGEN57
Business Sectors (Suites): General Healthcare
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved on: 30 Mar 2021

Overview

This standard covers the collection of blood and blood products from the hospital blood bank or satellite fridge for an individual who needs a transfusion of blood or blood products.

This includes selecting the correct blood and/or blood product to be transfused, completing and understanding the minimum requirements on the blood collection slip (or equivalent local documentation) and checking that blood is correctly labelled.

This standard is relevant to anyone required to collect and deliver blood / blood products to support safe blood transfusion by ensuring the correct blood or blood product is available for the correct individual.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
  2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
  3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
  4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
  5. collect the blood collection documentation relevant to the individual
  6. locate and remove the unit of blood / blood products from the fridge, following organisational policies and procedures
  7. confirm selection of the correct unit of blood / blood product with the minimum dataset on the documentation taking appropriate action in relation to any discrepancies
  8. deliver the blood / blood product to the relevant member of staff promptly ensuring you do not leave the blood / blood product unattended at any point in the process
  9. check the details on the delivered blood / blood product match those on the documentation relevant to the individual with the relevant member of staff
  10. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
  2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
  3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
  4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
  5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
  6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
  7. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
  8. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
  9. the adverse events or safety incidents which can arise when collecting blood / blood products from the fridge.
  10. the factors to consider in selecting the appropriate blood product from the fridge
  11. how to transport blood / blood products from the fridge safely back to the ward and/or other clinical areas
  12. the information that needs to be recorded on the blood collection slip or other relevant documentation which is taken to the fridge when blood is collected
  13. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

31 Mar 2026

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Health

Original URN

SFHGEN57

Relevant Occupations

Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Collect, blood, products, storage, transfusion