Blood transfusions

Published

So the question is: Order: 1 unit PRBC's to infuse over 2-4 hours. Infusion is started. How fast should infusion begin? What is the total volume to be infused?

I have 1 mL for the first 15 minutes but how do I know how much a unit of blood is?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The unit SHOULD have the total volume on the label. If not, call the blood bank.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Generally accepted measurements --- but they do vary from lab to lab:

Packed red blood cells (PRBCs): 300 mL/unit

Whole blood: 450–500 mL/unit

fresh frozen plasma (FFP): 250–300 mL/unit

Platelets: 40–50 mL/unit

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

Ours have 330-350 ml per unit; the volume is printed on the label.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

Yes, the first 15 minutes you want the blood to go in slowly so that you can watch for transfusion reactions. If the rate is 1 mL/min for 15 min, that's the same as 60 ml/hr. Of course that's not the whole volume and not the desired rate. PRBC's can be about 300 mL but the actual amount in the bag can vary a bit. Just look at the label for the exact volume.

For testing purposes, your school/instructor should provide you with a standard volume for PRBC's and the like.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome!

What semester are you? Thank akulahawkRN they have been very nice to you in giving you your answer. What did your research show you?

https://www.giveblood.ie/Clinical_Services/Haemovigilance/Publications/Guidelines_for_the_Administration_of_Blood_and_Blood_Components.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion