Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
Do advanced clinical practitioners have the theoretical knowledge to authorise blood components for transfusion? A
1Kings College Hospital, London, UK.
Aim:
The aim of this study is to investigate whether non-medical authorisers of blood component transfusion, in a single centre working at an advanced level, have the theoretical knowledge to potentially undertake this task safely.
Background:
Authorisation of blood components for transfusion has predominantly been a medical role in the United Kingdom. Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACP) are increasingly undertaking this role in order to maintain timely transfusion care.
Design:
A cross sectional study design was utilised for this study which was conducted between 05th March 2018 and the 4th of April 2018.
Methods:
A total of 81 participants (49 medical authorisers and 32 Advanced Clinical Practitioners of which 21 were nurses and 11 were Allied Healthcare Professionals) working in a single centre completed the BEST-TEST, a previously validated knowledge assessment tool (Transfusion, 54, 2014, 1225). This study's methods were compliant with the STROBE Checklist.
Results:
The overall mean was 8.74 out of a possible 20 questions. Doctors scored higher within the basic science domain compared to Advanced Clinical Practitioners (p = .01). This study found the method of training received by its participants was statistically significant with those receiving formal training scoring more than those who had received on the job training from their colleagues (p = .02). When all specialities were compared for differences with the mean correct scores a statistically significant difference was found (p = .01).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates there is no statistically significant difference in transfusion medicine knowledge between professional subgroups working in a single centre. Furthermore, there is deficits in the knowledge of all subgroups.
Relevance To Clinical Practice:
With advanced practice roles expanding, it is essential that we realise their full potential. There is no current research examining knowledge of ACPs, who could potentially authorise blood components for transfusion, but there are some clear benefits for clinical practice such as providing safe, timely and patient centred care.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Blood Transfusion
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
02:45Blood Transfusion and Agglutination
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
01:10Blood Typing
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target...
02:20Blood Types
ABO blood group
ABO antigens are glycoproteins encoded by genes present on...
01:26Blood Studies I: ABG and VBG
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) studies are crucial for assessing the lungs' ability to supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, reflecting the patient's ventilation status. They also help understand the kidneys' capacity to...
01:23Types of Biopharmaceutical Studies: Controlled and Non-Controlled Approaches
Non-controlled studies, commonly employed for initial exploration, lack a control group, rendering them susceptible to biases and external influences. In contrast,...