Policy document
Blood transfusion
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Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This is a clinical guideline on blood transfusion management for healthcare professionals. It covers assessment and management of blood transfusions in children aged 1 year and over, along with general principles. The guideline addresses religious and ethical considerations but does not cover transfusions during pregnancy, labour, or for specific medical conditions.
Key points
- Guideline applies to children aged 1 year and over, young people and adults
- Covers general principles of blood transfusion management and assessment
- Addresses religious beliefs that prohibit blood transfusion
- Does not cover transfusions during pregnancy, labour, or surgery-specific scenarios
- Intended for healthcare professionals, service commissioners, and patients/families
Limitations
This is a clinical guideline document rather than evidence of child health outcomes or intervention effectiveness. It does not present research findings, data on transfusion outcomes in children, or evidence about the impact of transfusion practices on child well-being.
Abstract
Unlabelled This guideline covers assessing for, and managing, blood transfusions in adults, young people and children aged 1 year and over. It covers the general principles of blood transfusion, but does not make recommendations relating to specific conditions. This guideline does not cover blood transfusions, or use of tranexamic acid for surgery, during pregnancy and labour. For more information on what the guideline does and does not cover, see the section on inclusions and exclusions. Some people have religious beliefs that do not allow the transfusion of blood. Specific issues relating to these people have been addressed when reviewing the evidence and writing the recommendations. For guidance on blood transfusions and anticoagulant reversal for people with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, see the section on resuscitation and initial management in NICE's guideline on acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in over 16s. Who is it for? Healthcare professionals who assess for and manage blood transfusions and their alternatives. Commissioners and providers of transfusion services. People aged 1 year and over who may need a blood transfusion, their families and carers.