Name of the Procedure:

Blood, Split Unit (P9011)

Summary

Blood, split unit, is a medical procedure where a single unit of donated blood is divided into smaller portions. These smaller portions can then be used for multiple patients, particularly those who require smaller volumes of blood, such as neonates or elderly patients with specific needs.

Purpose

Medical Conditions or Problems it Addresses:

• Neonatal anemia
• Small volume blood transfusion needs
• Patients with conditions requiring frequent but small amounts of blood

Goals or Expected Outcomes:

• To provide an appropriate volume of blood to patients without exposing them to the risks associated with receiving a full unit.
• To efficiently use donated blood by enabling multiple patients to benefit from a single donation.

Indications

Symptoms or Conditions:

• Premature or low birth-weight infants needing blood transfusions.
• Elderly or physically fragile patients requiring small-volume transfusions.
• Patients with conditions that necessitate frequent transfusions but in smaller quantities.

Patient Criteria:

• Anyone with a medical need for a transfusion but only requiring a small volume of blood.

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• No special preparation is typically needed for the patient receiving the split blood unit.
• Standard pre-transfusion testing such as blood typing and cross-matching may be required.

Diagnostic Tests or Assessments:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood type and cross-match

Procedure Description

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Obtain a single unit of donated, processed, and screened blood.
2. Use sterile techniques to separate the blood unit into smaller aliquots.
3. Store and label each split unit appropriately, maintaining all regulatory requirements and ensuring compatibility.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Blood storage bags
• Sterile separation equipment

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• Not applicable, as the blood splitting process does not involve the patient directly.

Duration

The procedure to split the blood unit typically takes about an hour, but preparation and distribution times may vary.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a controlled environment such as a hospital blood bank, laboratory, or a specialized blood transfusion center.

Personnel

Healthcare Professionals Involved:

• Medical technologists or laboratory technicians
• Clinical pathologists
• Transfusion medicine specialists

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Allergic reactions
• Minor infection at the transfusion site

Rare Risks:

• Hemolytic transfusion reactions
• Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
• Iron overload with multiple transfusions

Management of Complications:

• Immediate medical attention and supportive care
• Discontinuation of transfusion if adverse reactions occur

Benefits

Expected Benefits:

• Provides necessary blood supply to patients needing smaller volumes.
• Reduces the waste of donated blood.
• Multiple patients can benefit from a single blood donation.

Realization Timeline:

• Immediate increase in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels post-transfusion.
• Stabilization of the patient’s condition within hours to days.

Recovery

Post-Procedure Care and Instructions:

• Monitoring for any adverse reactions for a specified time after the transfusion.
• Hydration and rest post-transfusion.

Expected Recovery Time:

• Immediate to a few hours post-transfusion.

  Restrictions and Follow-Up Appointments:

• Usually minimal restrictions, but may require follow-up testing depending on the patient's condition.

Alternatives

Other Treatment Options:

• Full-unit blood transfusion
• Synthetic blood products (if and when available)
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents

Pros and Cons of Alternatives:

• Full-unit transfusions can be wasteful and too large for patients requiring smaller amounts.
• Synthetic blood products are not widely available and may not be suitable for all patients.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• The patient will undergo standard transfusion procedures which involve inserting an IV line but will not be directly involved in the splitting of the blood unit.

After the Procedure:

• Patients might feel the immediate benefits like increased energy and less fatigue.
• Close monitoring will be conducted to ensure no adverse reactions occur.
• Pain management, if necessary, is usually minimal, involving basic comfort measures.