Equipment needed for blood transfusion

Blood transfusions are life-saving procedures that replenish a patient’s blood volume or specific blood components. The process involves meticulous steps to ensure safety and effectiveness. It also involves plenty of equipment to make sure that all of those steps are as seamless as possible.

What equipment is used in a blood transfusion?

During a blood transfusion, the focus is on safe and controlled delivery of the blood product into the patient’s bloodstream. Here’s what’s needed:

• IV access: This is the entry point for the blood. Depending on the patient’s needs, either a peripheral intravenous catheter (small, flexible tube inserted into a vein) or a central venous access device (inserted into a larger vein near the heart) might be used.
• Blood administration set: This sterile tubing connects the blood bag to the IV catheter. It includes a filter to remove any potential microaggregates (clumps) from the blood.
• IV pole: This stand holds the blood bag and administration set at the appropriate height for controlled flow.
• Blood warmer (Optional): In some cases, the blood needs to be warmed slightly (to prevent hypothermia in the patient) before transfusion. This equipment precisely regulates blood temperature.
• Infusion pumps (optional): These devices electronically control the rate of blood flow, especially crucial for rapid transfusions or specific blood components.
• Monitoring equipment: Vital signs like blood pressure, temperature, and pulse are monitored throughout the transfusion using a stethoscope and a pulse oximeter.

Some equipment that helps make the transfusion process a bit easier for the doctors and nurses are:

• Tubestrip®, our automatic tube stripper which helps during the sampling and quality control of the blood bags.
• Qseal multi®, our benchtop tube sealer for single and multi use which connects up to eight sealing units.
• Qseal air®,  our fully automated system for tube sealing which starts the sealing by the pressing of one button.

What equipment is used in a blood bank?

Before reaching the patient, blood undergoes rigorous testing and storage. A blood bank utilizes specialized equipment to ensure blood safety and efficacy. Though this equipment may vary, it usually is:

• Blood collection equipment: This includes:
  • sterile needles
  • blood collection bags
  • anticoagulant solutions to prevent clotting during collection.
• Blood storage equipment: Blood components like red blood cells, plasma, and platelets have different storage temperature requirements. Specialized refrigerators and freezers maintain optimal conditions.
• Testing equipment: Blood undergoes extensive testing for blood type compatibility, infectious diseases, and other parameters. This involves advanced laboratory equipment like:
  • centrifuges
  • blood typing plates
  • analyzers.
• Blood transportation equipment: Blood products need to be transported securely between blood banks and healthcare facilities. Insulated containers with temperature monitoring ensure product integrity during transit.

Blood transfusion equipment from Conroy Medical®

By understanding the specific equipment used at each stage, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex yet crucial process of blood transfusions.

The equipment that we provide here at Conroy Medical® have been developed by engineers with deep knowledge and passion for medical appliances. Their dedication is what makes our range of products so unique, user-friendly and easy to operate. Our products are also effective and good for the environment.

Do you have any further queries about the equipment needed for blood transfusion? Don’t hesitate to contact us at Conroy Medical®, we’re more than happy to help!