After donation, blood is separated out into its various components where it is manufactured and tested via a blood establishment in preparation for patient use. This section covers the safe storage and administration of various types of components including plasma, white cells, red blood cells and platelets, their clinical uses as well as the identification and purpose of specialised components. National guidance and policies are also signposted, making sure we select the most appropriate and compatible components for our patients without delay.
Blood products are defined as therapeutic substances derived from human blood and are usually produced commercially and packaged as plasma-derived medicinal products. Examples include anti-D immunoglobulin and prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). This section provides information regarding the safe and appropriate administration of such products.