Document

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About The Course

This comprehensive training module provides essential knowledge for safe, effective, and evidence-based blood transfusion practice in the UK. It covers transfusion principles, legal and ethical consent, blood component handling, and good manufacturing practices. Learners will gain understanding of transfusion reactions, error prevention strategies, safer laboratory practices, and alternatives such as cell salvage and iron therapy. The course aligns with national governance frameworks including NHSBT, MHRA, NICE, and SHOT, and concludes with an assessment to ensure comprehension and readiness for clinical application.

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Learning Objectives

Explain the principles and clinical indications of blood transfusion and its role in modern medicine.

Identify the major UK governance frameworks (e.g. NHSBT, MHRA, SHOT) and legal requirements supporting safe transfusion practice.

Demonstrate safe procedures for patient identification, blood sampling, prescription, bedside administration, and traceability.

Describe the characteristics, indications, and handling requirements for various blood components including red cells, platelets, FFP, cryoprecipitate, and Anti-D immunoglobulin.

Recognise signs and symptoms of transfusion reactions and outline appropriate escalation, reporting, and post-incident management steps.

Apply good manufacturing practice (GMP) principles and laboratory standards to ensure the safety, quality, and traceability of transfusion processes.

Discuss the importance of obtaining informed consent and how to manage refusal or specific patient considerations (e.g. religious objections).

Evaluate the use of alternatives to transfusion such as cell salvage, iron therapy, tranexamic acid, and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.

Understand the national guidelines, documentation requirements, and quality assurance measures underpinning transfusion safety in UK healthcare.

Adopt a risk-aware, patient-centred approach to transfusion practice, incorporating communication, legal compliance, and ethical decision-making.

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Course Modules

Module 1:

Introduction to Blood Transfusion

Module 2:

Essential Transfusion Practice

Module 3:

Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in Transfusion

Module 4:

Consent and Patient Information

Module 5:

Blood Components

Module 6:

Cell Salvage and Alternatives to Transfusion

Module 7:

Introduction to Safer Transfusion Laboratory Practice

Module 8:

Transfusion Reactions: Recognition and Management

Module 9:

Use of Anti-D Immunoglobulin in Pregnancy

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Keywords

CPD Certified Training CSTF Aligned Training Meeting NHS and CQC Standards Free Portal Access Face-to-Face Training BLS Practical Moving Handling Practical Free Online Training Practical Training Free NHS Mandatory Training

Blood Transfusion