Transfusions occur in a variety of settings; outpatient, emergency room, OR, pediatrics, adult, urban and rural. No matter what the setting, each transfusion is alike in that there are risks and it should not be entered into lightly. A transfusion is considered a liquid transplant. In this module, the principles of transfusion will be addressed through the presentation of a case study.

Intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) is a blood product manufactured from large pools of human plasma. While IVIG is generally prescribed by a specialist, patients are often maintained and followed-up by a family physician.

This module will focus on the processes for ordering IVIG and monitoring for adverse events.

An adverse transfusion reaction (ATR) is an undesirable and unintended physiological response during or after the administration of blood components or plasma derived blood products. This module will focus on identifying ATRs and the actions required when an ATR is occurring.

Anemia is defined as insufficient circulating red cell mass with a hemoglobin of ˂ 130 in men ˂ 120 in women. Iron deficient anemia is the most common type of anemia worldwide and in the surgical population. Preoperative anemia affects 30-40% of patients undergoing surgery and is an independent risk factor for perioperative red blood cell transfusion which may increase postoperative complications and increase hospital length of stay, morbidity and mortality.

Prenatal medical care occurs throughout the course of all pregnancies. This includes prenatal screening directly related to transfusion medicine. Something as simple as the mother’s ABO blood group can have an effect on possible complications with the pregnancy. Prenatal screening is a tool to prevent and manage these complications.