Name of the Procedure:

Splitting of Blood or Blood Products, Each Unit

Summary

Splitting of blood or blood products is a medical procedure where a single unit of donated blood or its components (such as red blood cells, plasma, or platelets) is divided into smaller portions. This allows the blood to be used to treat multiple patients or tailored to specific patient needs.

Purpose

This procedure addresses situations where a full unit of blood is not required, such as for pediatric patients or those needing only a small amount to correct an abnormality. The goal is to efficiently utilize donated blood products, minimizing waste and maximizing their therapeutic benefits.

Indications

• Pediatric patients requiring blood transfusion
• Adults needing small-volume transfusions
• Patients with conditions warranting specific blood components (e.g., clotting disorders requiring plasma)

Preparation

• Patients may need to have blood tests done before the procedure to determine blood type and compatibility.
• No special preparation is typically required from the patient, as the splitting process is done in the lab.

Procedure Description

1. A donated unit of blood is obtained from a blood bank.
2. The unit is placed in a sterile environment.
3. Using specialized equipment, the blood is divided into smaller volumes or components.

4. Each smaller portion is re-sealed, labeled, and stored properly until needed.

   Tools involved include sterile splitting kits and refrigeration units. No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The splitting process takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

Setting

The procedure is performed in a blood bank or hospital laboratory.

Personnel

• Blood Bank Technologists
• Laboratory Technicians
• Supervising Pathologist (if required)

Risks and Complications

• Risk of contamination if sterile techniques are not followed
• Minor clerical errors in labeling or tracking of split units
• No direct risks to the patient receiving the blood, but usual risks associated with transfusion (e.g., allergic reactions, infections)

Benefits

• Efficient use of blood donations
• Tailored transfusion solutions for specific patient needs
• Reduced need for donor blood in patients requiring limited transfusions

Recovery

• No recovery needed for the blood splitting process itself.
• Post-transfusion recovery depends on the patient's condition and the component transfused.

Alternatives

• Whole unit transfusion if a suitable alternative is not available.
• Synthetic or artificial blood products, though these are less common and may not be as effective.

Patient Experience

From the patient’s perspective, they would undergo a standard blood transfusion process. The splitting procedure itself does not affect them directly. Pain and comfort measures during transfusion follow standard protocols, often involving minimal discomfort.