This online Blood Component Transfusion training course covers the following:

• The different blood groups and why people must get the correct blood group in a blood transfusion,
• Different types of blood products and their purposes,
• The purpose of a red cell transfusion, platelet transfusion and a Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP) transfusion,
• ABO and the Rh D blood groups.
• How a patient’s blood group is determined,
• The difference between a group and screen sample and a crossmatch sample,
• The correct process of labelling blood samples,
• Why blood transfusions are sometimes clinically necessary,
• The risks and benefits associated with blood transfusions,
• Alternatives to blood transfusions – for example, oral iron tablets,
• The concerns patients may have about receiving a blood transfusion,
• The importance of gaining the patient’s consent for a blood transfusion and the reasons why some patients may refuse this treatment,
• The process associated with blood transfusion, including:
• Blood sample collection,
• The correct procedure of collection and transportation of blood components,
• Collecting a blood bag from the blood storage point,
• Safety checks,
• Blood product administration to a patient,
• Critical checks clinical staff must make and why they are required,
• The equipment needed for a blood transfusion.
• The safe process for the administration of different blood components,
• Potential adverse reactions to a blood transfusion,
• The risks of blood transfusion, including severe allergic reactions,
• Managing risks related to blood transfusions,
• Documentation about blood component transfusion.

This online Blood Component Transfusion training course is primarily aimed at those healthcare staff who are not directly involved in blood sampling, the decision to transfuse, or administering blood transfusions. However, senior clinical staff, including specialist nurses and doctors, will also find this course beneficial.

Healthcare staff who are specifically involved in the clinical decisions related to the blood transfusion process will receive more specialised training, and this may include completing the individual NHS Trust or private hospital’s internal classroom training or e-learning. Speak to your line manager or learning and development lead if you think this applies to you.

The aims and objectives of this online Blood Component Transfusion training course are to improve the awareness and competencies of healthcare professionals who administer blood and products in various clinical settings.

On completion of this online Blood Component Transfusion training course, the learner will:

• Know the different blood groups,
• Understand why blood transfusions are clinically necessary,
• Know the risks and benefits associated with blood transfusions,
• Know the alternative treatments available if the patient refuses a blood transfusion,
• Know the potential adverse side effects and the things all healthcare staff should be aware of when caring for someone who has had a blood transfusion,
• Have an understanding of the critical checks clinical staff have to take before, during and after administering a blood transfusion.

Blood Component Transfusion – Online Training Course – Level 3 – UKCSTF Aligned.