Blood simultaneously with other meds in the same IV

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Does anybody give any other medications simultaneously via the same IV when transfusing blood? The American Assoc of Blood Banks has a statement that says not to administer dextrose, lactated Ringer's or hypotonic saline simultaneously via the same IV as the transfusion, which leads one to believe that there are other solutions (i.e. antibiotics) that may be appropriate (otherwise, I think they would say that NO other solutions are allowed to be administered simultaneously). Just wondering if your transfusion policy allows for blood to be given with anything else via the same IV or lumen.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Vascular Access.
Does anybody give any other medications simultaneously via the same IV when transfusing blood? The American Assoc of Blood Banks has a statement that says not to administer dextrose, lactated Ringer's or hypotonic saline simultaneously via the same IV as the transfusion, which leads one to believe that there are other solutions (i.e. antibiotics) that may be appropriate (otherwise, I think they would say that NO other solutions are allowed to be administered simultaneously). Just wondering if your transfusion policy allows for blood to be given with anything else via the same IV or lumen.

Thanks!

It is NOT appropriate to hang blood with anything except NSS. No other antibiotics, nor a different type of IV Fluid beside saline should be hung.

For proof, Check out the AABB website. (www.aabb.org) and look under "Circular of Information" and then Instructions for whole blood and all products.

# 6 on pg #7 says, No medications or solutions may be added to, or infused thru the same tubing as blood or blood comonenets except Normal Saline.

You do not want to run the risk of:

1. Damaging the Blood Cells

2. Incompatabilities

3. Increasing chance for bacterial contamination

Hope this helps!

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Specializes in Critical Care.
It is NOT appropriate to hang blood with anything except NSS.

Not exactly true. You can give it with plasmalyte, etc.

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Specializes in Vascular Access.
not exactly true. you can give it with plasmalyte, etc.

plasma-lyte r injection (multiple electrolytes injection, type 2, usp) should not be administered simultaneously with blood through the same administration set because of the likelihood of coagulation.

this comes straight from the drug manufacturer.. sorry, i guess i'm still right!:smokin:

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Plasma-lyte type A is compatible.

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Specializes in Vascular Access.
Plasma-lyte type A is compatible.

Okay, I see that "A" has no Calcium in in like the other one. ... I concur... You are right on this one!:yeah:

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Thanks for the info. I have read the AABB's recommendations and it is the comment on the "Circular of Information" that I was curious about that states "...unless a) they have been approved for this use by the FDA or b) there is

documentation available to show that the addition is safe and does not adversely affect the blood or component." Just wondering if anyone has found this "approval" or "documentation". Thanks.

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