Blood transfusions times

[olive37]

When an outpatient comes in for a blood transfusion, what is the amount of time that they need to stay to be observed after the transfusion is complete?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

What does the facility's policy say? When I worked inpatient, we frequently had outpatients come in on the weekend if they needed chemo or blood and the clinic was closed. As the vast majority of these patients had had many blood transfusions in the past and we knew whether or not they typically reacted, we didn't hold onto them for any significant amount of time after the transfusions.

[msjellybean]

When I worked in-patient onco, we also had an area where we treated out-patients. Typically for chemo, blood products, d/c ports & pumps, etc.

We typically held onto patients for 30 minutes after the flush was finished.

[Asystole RN]

In our outpatient center we do 30 minutes. Thats about what it takes to pull the IV and give the discharge instructions.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Keep in mind that ACUTE transfusion related reactions can occur up to 24 hrs after an infusion but usually occur early on during the course of the infusion. You can also have a delayed hemolytic reaction several days after an infusion,up to 7 or 8 days after. These are usually not life threatening but they do feel pretty crummy and the provider needs to be notified. I would be more concerned about the acute types of reaction especially acute hemolytic.

If the patient tolerated the blood product well we usually keep them 15-30 min after the infusion and can extend that based upon if they are having any type of reaction. They should also be instructed on possible s/sx of the various reaction s that can occur and what their course of action should be if any occur. As you can imagine this is essential for those patients going home after administration.