About this Site

Transfusion Medicine Manual

This online manual provides information about the blood products and services made available by the Australian Red Cross Blood Service (ARCBS)  It also provides a framework for decisions in relation to the clinical indications for blood products, the procedures for their administration and for management of any adverse reactions. 

Transfusion medicine has evolved from a mostly laboratory-centred service with a focus on serological aspects of blood into a clinically-oriented discipline that emphasises patient care. 

This evolution has taken place over the past 20 years, principally due to the recognition that HIV and hepatitis C are transmitted by blood. 

The resultant emphasis on blood safety, appropriate use of blood components with the development of clinical practice guidelines, informed consent issues and alternatives to allogeneic blood have led to substantial advances in the the reduction of potential risks and complications associated with blood transfusion.

For many patients there is still no substitute for human-derived blood components and products.  The transfusion process is unique in that it links one sector of the community (the volunteer blood donor) with another (the patient) in an altruistic and potentially life saving activity.

Prescribers of blood components also have a duty of care to their patients to ensure the benefits of the transfusion outweigh the risks.