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A recent UK Patient Safety Alert has highlighted the potential for serious harm if the incorrect administration set is used for transfusion of blood or blood components.
Use of an IV infusion set instead of a blood transfusion administration set may result in under-infusion of blood or destruction of red cells (haemolysis).
ANZSBT Administration Guidelines provide Australian guidance that covers:
Transfusion of blood and blood components
An approved blood administration set (170–200 micron filter) must be used for:
- red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate, cryodepleted plasma, whole blood and granulocytes.
When blood is being administered by syringe to small infants or neonates:
- the blood must be drawn into the syringe via a 170–200 micron filter.
Administration of fractionated blood products
Albumin and IV immunoglobulin formulations that do not require reconstitution may be administered via either a:
- standard IV administration set or blood administration set.
For other plasma-derived blood products:
- individual product information should be consulted.
Administration from a glass bottle requires a vented system.
Initial draft of the third edition of the NSQHS Standards now available
In July, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the initial draft of the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards (third edition).
Healthcare organisations, clinicians, consumers and other stakeholders are invited to provide feedback by:
- completing the online survey
- submitting a written response, or
- attending an information forum.
To learn more and have your say, visit the NSQHS Standards (third edition) Engagement Hub or email AdviceCentre@safetyandquality.gov.au. You can also sign up to receive project updates.
Development of the third edition commenced in 2025, with the final Standards expected to be released in 2028.
Connection, conversation and shared learning
The next two sessions are all planned and ready to go and we'd love you to join us. Held on the first Wednesday of each month at 11.30am (AEST).
August: 'Transforming clinical practice in the age of electronic medical records (EMR)'
We’re delighted to welcome Penny O’Beid, Senior Lead for Clinical Governance and Blood Watch in NSW, as she:
- draws on her first-hand experience to discuss how EMRs are reshaping the way healthcare is delivered, and
- highlights how EMR changes the way clinicians work, communicate and make decisions, and what these changes mean for patient safety and quality of care.
September: 'Pack check tool: Revised and refreshed'
Join us for part two of our bedside check discussion as Jo Goodwin, Transfusion Nurse Consultant, unveils Lifeblood’s revamped Pack Check. Discover how the updated tool:
- is clearer, more relatable, and easier to use
- provides a consistent national approach to support and teach the checking process, and
- supports nurses to confidently apply safe pack checking principles
Learn what’s new, why it matters, and how to put it into practice.
Stream the latest: Clinical transfusion program sessions
Module 1 has now concluded, featuring two engaging and clinically relevant sessions on plasma transfusion and transfusion reactions.
Looking ahead, Module 2 launches in August, introducing two additional sessions focused on pre- and intraoperative patient blood management—further strengthening practice across the transfusion care pathway.
Now streaming – take this opportunity to build your knowledge and confidence in transfusion medicine.
Download the full 2026 program to explore upcoming sessions, key topics, and plan your learning journey.
Hospital policy of tranexamic acid to reduce transfusion in major noncardiac surgery – TRACTION trial
The TRACTION trial was a pragmatic, multicenter, double-blind, cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled trial. It evaluated whether a hospital policy of routine tranexamic acid (TXA) use in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgeries would safely reduce the incidence of red cell transfusion.
Eligible adult patients were recruited across 10 hospitals (clusters) in Canada. Participating sites with patients undergoing surgery who were at high risk for red cell transfusion (5% or more) were randomised in a 1:1 ratio at 4-week intervals to provide either TXA (IV bolus at the start of surgery and an additional dose before skin closure with timing at the discretion of the anaesthetist) or matching placebo (0.9% sodium chloride).
Exclusion criteria were active thromboembolic disease, cardiac and hip or knee total arthroplasty (in which TXA administration is standard practice), surgeries involving a free flap, trauma surgery with TXA in the previous 3 hours and pregnancy.
The coprimary outcomes were transfusion of red cells during the index hospitalisation [effectiveness] and diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE), within 90 days after surgery [safety].
In case you missed it
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Updates:
The Australian Open Disclosure Framework provides a nationally consistent basis for effective communication following unexpected healthcare outcomes and harm. The Framework is designed to enable all healthcare professionals working within Australian health service organisations to communicate openly with patients when health care does not go to plan.
Recent publications:
Longitudinal Changes in Transfusion Practice in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Population Data-Linkage Study. An Australian population-based study of MDS patients demonstrated that RBC and platelet transfusion burden increased throughout the individual patients' disease course and are impacted by MDS subtype.
World Health Organization Global status report on blood safety and availability 2025 provides an overview of global status and trends in blood supply, safety, sufficiency and usage.
UK Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) updates:
The 2025 Annual SHOT report is now available for download.
The SCRIPT group has published the Essential standards for safe transfusion in clinical IT systems (Version 1.0, June 2026), developed to support safer, more reliable transfusion practice across the UK.
Episode 2: Beyond the bag - recognising and managing transfusion adverse events
This webinar will provide four case studies as a practical, clinician-focused approach to recognising key signs and symptoms of acute transfusion reactions, initiating immediate management, and ensuring appropriate escalation. It will also reinforce the importance of systematic reporting and documentation as part of haemovigilance systems, which are essential for improving patient safety and informing future transfusion practice.
Participants will gain confidence in identifying common and serious transfusion reactions, implementing first-line interventions, and fulfilling their responsibilities in reporting and prevention.
Tuesday 25 August 2026 2-3.00pm (AEST)
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
100-154 Batman Street West Melbourne VIC 3003
