Transfusion ?

[patti101]

What is the flow rate used for packed cells for the first 15 min.?

For the remainder of the infusion? 2 Hr infusion? 3Hr? 4Hr? I can't seem to locate this information...I know I must be overlooking something.Thanks for ANY information...

[BarbPick]

PJ's Mom, very good. Plasma will kill you. it is not fluid overload.

Most antigens and WBC's are in the plasma. We also have to use a leucocyte poor filter. All disease is carried on the white blood cell.

We used to have to use only "washed" red blood cells for patients who were in fragile shape, like cancer patients who's immune system is not fighting properly. Because of the leucocyte filter, it is no longer necessary to wash red blood cells.

They may have a headache in 2 weeks, of feel queezy the next day, but it is still foreign to the immune system of the receipient.

Barbara

[Noney]

Gwenith I hang new tubing with each unit, and we swicth back to regular IV tubing when we're done.

When giving FFP for high INR how many units do you usually give before recheching INR? I had a pt recently come though ER with an INR >10. Had orders for recheck after 8 units of FFP. I thought we should have checked after 4.

Noney

[NancyRN]

New protocol at my facility says no need to check vitals til 30 mins after the start of the transfusion! Scary, huh?

[RN~in~CT]

Originally posted by gwenith

Okay now I have one - question that is:)

Do any of you "flush" the tubing between blood bags with saline and do you flush the line afterwards before disconnecting?

We change the tubing after each unit.