Blood and Tissue Resources

New York State Council on Human Blood and Transfusion Services

Recommendations for Transfusion Service Directors to Encourage Blood Conservation

Guidelines (PDF file size: 19k)

The Transfusion Service Director has overall responsibility for blood usage.

• Educate physicians about appropriate blood usage and options for the use of recombinant erythropoietin, hematinics, systemic hemostatic agents, and topical hemostatic agents.
• When possible, employ active review of blood orders prior to issuance of blood. Consult with ordering physicians regarding appropriateness of blood orders as necessary.
• Encourage active Transfusion Committee review of blood usage and communicate with ordering physicians expeditiously when indicated.
• Encourage attending physician oversight of orders for blood by housestaff.
• At times of shortage, work with Surgery and Anesthesiology to assure availability of blood for pending surgical cases anticipated to be at risk for large blood loss.
• Facilitate and encourage donations by family and friends of patients, to replenish the community blood supply, at either your facility or a blood center location.
• When Rh-negative blood is in short supply, administration of Rh-positive blood to males and to women past child-bearing age should be considered.