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The latest 2026 transfusion resources
Have you got your suite of newly revised and released transfusion resources?
Lifeblood's Clinical Education Team has recently completed a review of several key transfusion resources designed to promote safe and appropriate transfusion practice.
We're also pleased to announce that the Transfusion orientation pack for junior medical officers (JMOs) 2027 is now available.
Resources are linked below and live on our website and can also be ordered through the resource library.
If you have any questions or need support, please contact the Clinical Education Team by email at transfusionlearning@redcrossblood.org.au
Quick reference lanyard cards
JMO pack 2027
Includes our full suite of quick-reference lanyard cards, along with a QR code to download the iTransfuse app.
Order now via the resource library.
What you need to know about transfusion-related sepsis
Transfusion-transmitted bacterial infection (TTBI) is rare but potentially life-threatening and often presents within minutes of commencing transfusion. Prompt recognition and action are critical.
Clinical signs and symptoms of TTBI are often not specific enough to differentiate between septic and other types of transfusion reactions or non-transfusion related clinical deterioration.
Updated Lifeblood guidance for health partners is now available on our website:
- Guidelines for Hospital Investigation of Transfusion Related Sepsis includes clinical features, initial management, investigation when there is a clinical suspicion of a septic transfusion reaction and urgent notification to Lifeblood to ensure quarantine and testing of related components from the same donation/donor.
- Guidelines for the Microbiology Laboratory Processing of Blood Components Associated with Transfusion Reactions describes the process for microbiology laboratories to investigate blood components associated with suspected TTBI. Culture of the component should only be performed if there is a clinical suspicion of a septic transfusion reaction.
Register for the new module - now live
Module 7: Crossmatching and issuing blood
Our latest microlearning module is available for scientists and laboratory staff, and since going live on 21 July, we've had more than 40 participants completing the module.
It takes the learner through the importance of ensuring compatibility between donated red cells and the recipient. This includes performing crossmatches, issuing blood products, and understanding the processes for safe transfusions. The module builds on previous lessons about blood group systems and pretransfusion testing, providing a comprehensive framework for practical laboratory training.
To access this and the other modules in the Transfusion laboratory essentials, click on the link below. Please note you will need to set up a free Transfusion Online Learning account if not already registered.
Changes to patient labelling of reserved red cells
Lifeblood recently transitioned from using manila luggage tags to patient wristband labels for reserved red cells. Patient wristband labels are already used for HLA-compatible platelets and will now be extended to reserved red cells. This will improve consistency, efficiency and safety, with the wristband labels printed electronically, rather than handwritten on the luggage tags.
Please note:
- This will not change compatibility labelling applied by the pathology provider.
- Manila luggage tags will remain available as an alternative labelling method when a wristband label cannot be printed, such as during computer system downtime.
- Safety Tip: Labelling changes do not alter the final double-independent bedside checking process as per health service procedures, to ensure the right patient receives the right blood.
Episode 3: Understanding how haemovigilance makes a difference
Join Professor Erica Wood AO on Tuesday 29 September 2-3:00pm (AEST) for a webinar which will focus on the importance of haemovigilance beyond reporting adverse reactions (or events), especially at the hospital level.
Following on from episode 2, we will further explore the role of institutional monitoring of events, for example, by hospital transfusion or patient blood management committees, and highlight the need to close the loop by sharing outcomes and applying lessons learned. Finally, the webinar will consider the benefits of haemovigilance from the broader perspective of national reporting and international collaborations.
Participants will gain a valuable insight into why it's necessary to report adverse reactions and events and how this contributes to the vital role haemovigilance plays in improving patient and transfusion safety.
Ahead of the session, we'd love your help in completing a short survey to help us gather insights into haemovigilance practices.
Pack check tool: Revised and refreshed
Wednesday 2 September 11.30am-12.30pm
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.
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.
Clinical transfusion program - September
Whether you're new to transfusion medicine or looking to strengthen your knowledge of patient blood management, the Clinical transfusion program offers practical, evidence-based education that can be applied directly in clinical practice.
Wednesday 2 September - Preoperative coagulation studies and management of a bleeding patient on anticoagulation
Build confidence in interpreting coagulation tests and learn practical approaches to managing bleeding in patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.
As the second module winds up, the program transitions to 'Emergency transfusion' - Module 3 exploring contemporary approaches to managing critical bleeding and haemostatic challenges.
Wednesday 16 September - Critical bleeding
Gain practical insights into recognising and managing critical bleeding events, including strategies for rapid assessment and coordinated transfusion support.
Wednesday 30 September - Viscoelastic haemostatic assays
Discover how viscoelastic haemostatic assays can support timely clinical decision-making and guide targeted haemostatic and transfusion therapy.
Explore the full 2026 program to plan your transfusion education for the remainder of the year and catch up on previous sessions.
In case you missed it
Stay up to date and find all the latest BloodSafe eLearning courses, standards, position statements and more.
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
100-154 Batman Street West Melbourne VIC 3003
