Name:

Competency Statement:: PREPARING TO AND ADMINISTERING OF BLOOD COMPONENTS

Competency Indicators Competency Indicators Competency Competency
1st Level 2nd Level Indicators Indicators

Signature
Signature

Signature

Signature
Assessor

Assessor

Assessor

Assessor
Achieved

Achieved

Achieved

Achieved
3rd level 4th level

Level 1 All of level 1, plus All of levels 1 & 2, plus All of levels 1, 2 & 3,
plus
a. A registered practitioner competent in the a. Demonstrates a clear understanding a. Demonstrates expertise
administration of intravenous drugs having of the checking procedure prior to in administration of blood a. Teaches blood
attended the intravenous study day and blood component administration components without component
completed their IV competency incorporating both single practitioner supervision administration and
b. Demonstrates an understanding of the legal, checking with the patient and their b. Able to instruct and care in accordance to
ethical and professional issues surrounding identity band and 2 practitioner supervise junior staff Trust guidelines
the administration of blood components such independent checks with blood component b. Demonstrates
as informed consent, religious and personal b. Demonstrates positive patient administration and care strategic
beliefs identification of patient throughout development of
c. Allows time for patients to discuss any c. Understands the risks to the patient c. Be aware of the time practice at Trust level
anxieties regarding the transfused component, from an ABO incompatible constraint guidelines, and disseminates
offering counselling, advice and/or leaflets transfusion which determine how information
d. Demonstrates knowledge of patient d. Able to ensure ‘right sample’ has long a group and screen throughout the Trust
assessment in relation to the need for blood been taken from the ‘right patient’ / cross match sample c. Ensure systems are
components and knowledge of alternative and able to challenge unsafe maybe saved prior to its in place in the clinical
treatments i.e. Intravenous/oral iron phlebotomy practice use environment to
e. Knowledge of normal blood values and their e. Ability to assess cannula patency d. Demonstrate knowledge monitor the
interpretation according to the individual and suitability for the transfusion of a patients need for a administration of
patient f. Ability to set up transfusion using specially treated product blood components
f. Knowledge of the basic blood groups (ABO aseptic technique and appropriate i.e. irradiated blood or ensuring staff training
and D groups) including transfusion reactions administration set platelets, CMV negative needs are met
due to incompatibility g. Demonstrate knowledge of the components, HLA d. Ensure all staff have
g. Demonstrates ability to identify signs and required observations for matched products, and received education
symptoms of transfusion reactions and when transfusions in accordance with their importance in the and training and are
to call for medical assistance hospital policy management of the competent in the
h. Understand the importance of clear patient’s medical infusion of blood
Health & Safety – documentation in relation to the condition components
a. States the actions necessary to be taken in transfusion process, providing a e. Demonstrate an e. Recognise any
the event of a transfusion reaction clear and accurate record of the awareness of the side deficient practice in
b. Demonstrates a clear and precise transfused component to include: effects of long term this process,
understanding of the importance of correct blood transfusion such responding
checking procedures in accordance to Trust • Observations as iron overload and appropriately to
Transfusion Policy, prior to the administration • Start and finish time increased risk of ensure correct
of a blood component • Volume given antibody development procedures followed
c. Identify the time limits within which all blood • Any amount discarded and staff education
components must be administered after • Any adverse incidents and needs are addressed
removal from the storage unit f. Ensure audits are
Competency proforma/djk03 Form AC2
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d. Demonstrates safe practice regarding sharps treatments undertaken to ensure
disposal and disposal of used blood bags in • Effect of transfused product compliance with
accordance with Trust policy • Confirmation that the unit was Trust Transfusion
transfused (traceability) Policy
Infection Control –
• Demonstrates effective hand washing in
accordance to Trust policy
• Able to identify main blood borne infections
and their risks
Education resources to support your development
• PHT Blood Transfusion Policy • NPSA Safer Practice Notice – Right • NHS Knowledge and Skills • RCN Right blood, right
• PHT Sharps Policy
Patient, right blood. www.npsa.nhs.uk Framework Dimension HWB7 patient, right time

• PHT Infection Control policies

• www.Learnbloodtransfusion.org.uk • BSH Guidelines • Annual SHOT report

Author: Kay Heron (Bleep 0120) Department: Blood Sciences Review Date: March 2023

Record of Achievement

To verify competence please ensure that you have the appropriate level signed as a record of your achievement in the boxes below.
Competency must be assessed by an assessor who has previously completed their own Transfusion Competency to Level 3
The competency is valid for 2 years from the date of completion
Transfusion updates are bi-annual. Please ensure you are up to date with your training requirements

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4

Date Date Date Date

Signature of Educator/ Trainer Signature of Educator/ Trainer Signature of Educator/ Trainer Signature of Educator/
Trainer

Date: Date Date: Date:

Signature of Assessor Signature of Assessor Signature of Assessor Signature of Assessor

Competency proforma/djk03 Form AC2

 Name:

References to Support Competency

Gray, S., Murphy, M., Radcliffe, J., (2000) Guidelines for administering blood and blood components. Nursing Standard Dec 15, 1999 Vol. 14, issue 13.
Rowe, R., Doughty, H., (2000) Observation and Documentation of bedside blood transfusion. British Journal Of Nursing, Vol. 9, no.16
Hall, D. (2003) When clinical medicine collides with religion. The Lancet, Dec 2003, Vol. 362
Norfolk D. (Ed). (2013) Handbook Of Transfusion Medicine. 5th Edition. TSO
Gray, A. and Illingworth, J., (2004) Right Blood, Right Patient, Right Time. RCN
Davidson A. and Bolton-Maggs P., (2014) Patient Identification in Blood Sampling. www.nursingtimes.net Vol.110 No.11
Bolton-Maggs PHB (Ed) et al (2018), on behalf of the Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) Steering Group. The 2017 Annual SHOT Report (2018)

NB: All staff are responsible for ensuring they are confident and competent to administer a blood component/product.
It is your responsibility under your Professional Code of Conduct, to ensure any training needs are identified prior to
starting this task. Any deficiencies in knowledge or skills must be identified to a senior member of staff or Transfusion
Practitioner to ensure supervision and assessment can take place.
Statement:

I have read and understood that it is my responsibility to ensure I am confident and competent to administer a blood
component/product. I will ensure any deficits in my knowledge and/or skills are identified and I will ensure that I do not administer a
blood component/product until I am deemed fit to do so and my competency is signed by a Level 3 Assessor for Blood Transfusion

Print Name Signature Date

Competency proforma/djk03 Form AC2