What we learnt in 2025, for safe care in 2026

The latest Blood Matters Audit Report (2025) reveals critical insights into how health services are performing in positive patient identification and pretransfusion checking—the final safeguard before blood administration. 

Why it matters: 

Every transfusion carries the risk of an incompatible blood product being administered due to human error.  The audit shows that while 96% of checks start at the bedside, only 17% meet all guideline requirements, including positive patient identification and pretransfusion double independent checking. This gap highlights the urgent need for consistent practice to prevent errors and protect patients. 

Key findings: 

• Policy vs Practice: 100% of services require identity checks, but only 71% mandate double independent checking
• Observed Compliance: Just 17% of transfusions achieved full compliance with ANZSBT guidelines. 

Key conclusion from the report:

“The concept of double independent checking needs to be better understood and embedded in practice to improve patient safety and align with guidelines."

Optimising red cell inventory

Following the tragic Bondi Beach shootings, our donors across the country stepped up in overwhelming support of the injured. As a result, Lifeblood received a surge in blood donations, leading to an increase in the average age of red cell inventory.

A recent Lifeblood communication sent to Approved Health Providers (AHPs) regarding optimising laboratory red cell inventory can be found here. This has been followed up with specific communication from Lifeblood to AHPs within each state/territory. Clinicians should refer to specific communications from their health service or local transfusion laboratory about any changes that may arise from this.

Allogeneic Serum Eye Drops (AlloSED) requests now being accepted

We have now transitioned from the Autologous (AutoSED) and Patient-Tailored (PTSED) serum eyedrops to our new AlloSED product, and requests from treating ophthalmologists for eligible patients are now being accepted. Processing of AlloSED request will begin in February 2026, with supply to eligible patients starting in March 2026.

Tea with the TPs - Kicking off February 2026

We’re excited to launch our refreshed Transfusion Practitioner Monthly Forum series for 2026 — now proudly renamed Tea with the TPs.

Why the new name? Because these sessions are all about connection, conversation, and shared learning in a relaxed online space. Whether you’re a TP, an aspiring TP, or simply someone passionate about transfusion practice, you’re warmly invited. A diverse audience makes the whole community stronger.

SCIg course from BloodSafe eLearning Australia with clinician and consumer resources 

Immunoglobulin therapy, whether used for replacement or immunomodulation, is an essential treatment for patients who meet the clinical criteria for these medications. 

Immunoglobulin is available as either intravenous (IVIg) or subcutaneous (SCIg) formulations. SCIg offers distinct advantages for select patients with the five specific medical conditions approved in the Criteria for the Clinical Use of Immunoglobulin in Australia.  

This course, developed by BloodSafe eLearning Australia, provides comprehensive information on SCIg, including its differences from IVIg, accessibility within Australia, barriers to use, and the responsibilities of the SCIg Nurse Coordinator.  

It features a train the trainer animation video and a consumer documentary, showing the journey of a young SCIg patient and what the transition from IVIg to SCIg meant to him and his family. 

Do you or your team need to set up BloodSTAR access to request immunoglobin (Ig) products?  

The National Blood Authority’s (NBA) user tips and support materials (including short instructional videos) can streamline the process for setting up access or for changing your facility. If you need to access BloodSTAR for more than one workplace, you'll need to add a new user role for each hospital or facility you practice at.  

For guidance on how to register for BloodPortal and get user access to BloodSTAR, go to the NBA BloodSTAR user tips and support materials. The NBA materials also include a flow chart with a simple step-by-step guide outlining the process for accessing government funded IVIg/SCIg for a patient.  

Did you know? 

For emergency approvals, you need to call Lifeblood to ensure these requests are prioritised.
If you need any requests approved after hours, you need to call Lifeblood.
Emergency IVIg requests for certain indications receive automatic approval if completed correctly. 

Webinar series - HLA testing and transplantation 

During March, April, and May, in collaboration with Lifeblood’s Transplantation and Immunogenetics Service, we'll host our second 3-part webinar series, with this one focusing on HLA testing and transplantation. 

The webinar will offer a clear and comprehensive overview of the principles, techniques and importance of HLA immunoassays performed at Lifeblood. We'll delve into the details of how these assays are performed, discuss the various clinical indications, and how they serve as a crucial tool in managing solid organ transplant, haematopoietic stem cell transplant and patients requiring HLA-compatible platelets. 

Episode1:

Unlocking understanding: HLA basics and principles of testing in transplantation medicine

Tuesday 31 March

2:00pm to 3:00pm

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
100-154 Batman Street West Melbourne VIC 3003

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