Safe transfusion of blood components

Administering the wrong blood component to the wrong patient can have serious clinical consequences, including death. Patients have a right to safe clinical practice in line with nurses' professional standards and code of conduct, and other healthcare regulatory frameworks. Transfusion of blood components is no exception to this; therefore, it is important for healthcare organisations to have policies in place to support healthcare practitioners in ensuring patient safety throughout the transfusion process. This article outlines the clinical practice and administration required to undertake blood component transfusions safely and effectively. It also explains the rationale for checking processes, with reference to clinical guidelines.