STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE (SOP) : SELECTION OF BLOOD BAGS

BLOOD CENTRE NAME

SCOPE AND APPLICATION

According to the components to be prepared from the blood unit the blood bags are selected for blood collection

RESPONSIBILITY

The technician or phlebotomist in the donor area coordinates with the component room for deciding the type of blood bags to be used. The medical officer is consulted in case of difficulty in making a decision or to optimise the availability of components.

REFERENCE

Model standard operating procedures for blood transfusion service, WHO, New Delhi 2002 

Technical Manual of American Association of Blood Banks, 18^th edition,2004

MATERIALS REQUIRED

Different types of blood bags in use

PROCEDURE

• For all male donor weighing between 45 to 60 Kgs, select 350 ml quadruple blood bag, while, select 450ml blood bags for those weighing above 60 kg.
• For all female donors, regardless of weight, select only 350 ml blood bag.
• Check the bag visually for:

• Punctures
• Discolouration of anticoagulant/ additive solution
• Suspended particulate matter in anticoagulant/additive solution
• Expiry date
• If needle seal is broken

Use single bag when;

• Components are not to be separated from that unit. 
• When autologous blood is collected for patients e.g. elective surgery. 
• Therapeutic phlebotomy is being performed on a patient.

DOCUMENTATION

Enter the following details on donor card and register:

• Type of bag
• Manufacturer’s name
• Batch No. 
• Expiry date