Blood Transfusion (BloodTransfusion)

Blood transfusion is responsible for the provision of suitable blood components for patients. All blood components are supplied by NHSBT who collect blood from donors and test donations prior to delivery to hospitals. Testing will include blood grouping, hepatitis B. and HIV examination. The laboratory use gel technology for grouping and antibody screening patients.

The blood transfusion department issue red cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate for a number of surgical and medical specialties. It is also responsible for issuing anti-D and prothrombin complex concentrate as well as factor concentrates for haemophiliacs. It is a busy department issuing 27,000 units of blood, 1,700 units of fresh frozen plasma and 850 units of platelets annually. 

The department is automated using Diamed GelStation Plus! analysers and is computerised with the iSoft Telepath blood transfusion information system. Blood transfusion is CPA (UK) Ltd accredited and is MHRA compliant. Active participation in regional and national audit and peer review activities such as data entry onto the Blood Stocks Management Scheme ensures that practice is under constant review and assessment.

An electronic tracking system was rolled out across the Trust during 2009 enabling blood components to be traced from donation to fate.