Safe transfusion practice supports better patient outcomes and the efficient use of blood and blood products. Find policies, guidelines and resources for each step of the transfusion process.
Health services must monitor clinical transfusion practice for risks and identify improvement opportunities, as set out in the Blood Management Policy (PD2024_024).
Safe administration
- Administration of blood products guidelines (Australia and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion (ANZSBT))
- Clinical and laboratory guidelines (ANZSBT)
- BloodSafe eLearning resource centre
- Blood Book: Australian Blood Administration Handbook
ABO blood group considerations and resources
- Think positive, save negative poster
- National guidance: Management of red blood cell inventory
- National statement: Emergency use of group A clinical plasma
- National statement: Emergency use of group O red blood cells
Waste reduction
The demand for blood is influenced by many factors and can fluctuate significantly. Minimum levels must be maintained to ensure that blood is available when clinically required. This means that a level of blood wastage is inevitable and appropriate. Avoidable wastage is a key priority for improvement to ensure efficient use of resources.
We work with NSW Health Pathology and the Ministry of Health to identify how we can reduce avoidable blood wastage.
National Blood Authority
The National Blood Authority sets out strategies to reduce unnecessary waste in its National Blood Management Improvement Strategy. Visit the National Blood Authority for information, support and resources on managing wastage.
When patients decline blood products
Where patients decline blood or blood products, start a multidisciplinary plan early to identify and document which blood or blood products and treatments are acceptable and unacceptable to the patient. Follow the approach set out in the Blood Management Policy (PD2024_024).
You must use the refusal of blood or blood products form (PDF 637.4 KB) to guide and document this process. This is not a transfusion consent form. Use it only when a patient refuses some or all blood and/or blood products. Printed copies are available through Finsbury Green, stock code NH701029.
Government funded Immunoglobulin (IVIg + SCIg)
- BloodSTAR support materials (National Blood Authority)
- Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (SCIg) therapy (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA))
- SCIg frequently asked questions (ASCIA)
- Establishing a SCIg Hospital Program Guideline (GL2026_024)
To gain access to the SCIg Special Interest Group, contact your local blood watch coordinator.
Consumer resources
Provide patients, families and carers with relevant and timely information to support informed decision making. Use these resources when discussing blood and blood products.
- Patient blood management: A general guide to patient blood management
- Iron deficiency: A general guide to iron and iron deficiency
- Blood transfusion: A general guide to blood transfusion