Transfusion guidelines

Formerly the "Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion" (ASBT), the "Australian & New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion" (ANZSBT) promotes improved standards and the formulation of guidelines for blood transfusion practice.

The society also aims to provide advancement of knowledge in transfusion medicine, and the promotion of interest in research into blood. It collaborates with international and regional societies interested in blood transfusion.

Criteria for Acceptance of Specimens for Transfusion Testing

All clinicians and nursing staff who take specimens for transfusion testing need to adhere to the improved standards for specimen labelling.

In addition to documenting the following details on the blood tubes: 

• Patient's given name
• Patient's surname
• Patient's date of birth and/or UR number
• Date & time of collection and initials of person collecting the specimen

the collector must also sign and date the declaration with respect to positive patient identification on the request form.

Click here to reference the ANZBT website's Guidelines.