2.11 Processing of Collected Blood to Components | New Zealand Blood Service
Transfusion medicine

Transfusion medicine handbook

The Transfusion Medicine Handbook is designed to assist hospital staff and other health professionals in modern Transfusion Medicine Practice.

2. Collection, Testing and Processing of Blood Donation

2.11 Processing of Collected Blood to Components

Blood donations are processed into various components including red cells, platelet concentrates, fresh frozen plasma and cryoprecipitate. Blood components are prepared at NZBS processing centres under strictly controlled manufacturing conditions.

Blood component labelling
Blood components supplied for transfusion have a blood component label applied by the manufacturer specific to each individual component type. These labels provide important information for those who administer blood components and also allow the origins of the component to be traced.

Labels should state the details of the component and its composition, the conditions under which it can safely be stored and the date and time of expiry. Components from single donors must carry the unique donation number that identifies the donation.

Swing labels
A swing label will be applied by the blood bank issuing the component to the patient. This label uniquely identifies the patient for whom the component has been selected. An essential bedside check before transfusing any blood component is undertaken to make sure that the details on the swing label match exactly those of the patient.

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