SIMPLE METHOD FOR FAST ADMINISTRATION OF PACKED RED BLOOD CELLS

• Getting frustrated with the sluggish travel of the R.B.C.s in the transfusion set? You can try this method....
• Choose the i.v access through which you are going to infuse the PRBC
• Attach a 100/150 cm venous extension line with a 3-way stop cock to this line after de-airing it
• To one of the ports of the 3-way, attach a 500 ml [0.9%] Normal Saline with an iv drip set and to the other port, attach the PRBC pack with the blood transfusion set
• Hang the NS bottle on a drip stand and place the PRBC pack well below, on a table
• Adjust the 3-way in such a way that the NS [hanged on the drip stand] flows through the 3-way and into the PRBC pack
• Allow to fill the PRBC pack with NS till the pack is fully distended
• Now close both the NS and PRBC drip sets
• Hang the PRBC pack on the drip stand--> open the 3-way in such a way that the PRBC flows into the patient--> And open the PRBC transfusion set
• Complete the transfusion within the recommended time as per the institution policies.