Transfusion medicine handbook

3. Guide to Good Transfusion Practice

3.3 Informed Consent to Receive a Blood Transfusion

Informed consent for transfusion is a requirement of the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights (a regulation under the Health and Disability Commissioner Act 1994). This requires that patients be provided with information and an explanation of the purpose for which blood components and fractionated products are being prescribed and that they consent to transfusion.

Patients or their relatives may be worried about the risks of transfusion. Many patients will be prepared to give informed consent for a transfusion after a discussion with the authorised prescriber and the receipt of written or audio patient information resources. Others may require more time to consider, seeking further details in regard to indications, benefits and risks, as well as the alternatives available, such as patient blood management (PBM) options.  Several hospitals in New Zealand now provide PBM teams to support the three pillar approach which includes maximising the patient's red cell mass to minimise, or eliminate, the need for allogeneic transfusion.

Some patients may refuse transfusion for personal or religious reasons, for example members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses faith. Some may be prepared to accept fractionated products or other alternatives, as a decision of conscience.

The seeking of written informed consent, together with the reasons for the transfusion, must be available in the clinical record of the patient.

NZBS provides a range of leaflets and accessible resources to support the process of gaining informed consent. Copies of these should be available at all sites where blood may be transfused and can also be obtained from NZBS Transfusion Nurse Specialists or the hospital blood bank. This information is also available on the NZBS website Information for patients and recipients | New Zealand Blood Service (nzblood.co.nz)