Errors in the requesting, collection and administration of blood components (red cells, platelets and plasma components) lead to significant risks for patients. The purpose of this guideline is to provide national guidance on pre-transfusion blood sampling and the authorization (prescription), requesting, collection and administration of blood components to adults, children and neonates in order to provide a basis for the development of standardised local guidelines and practice, and focuses on 3 key principles of safe blood administration: – Patient identification – Documentation – Communication

Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT), has repeatedly identified that patients are harmed, and some die, as a result of being given the incorrect type of blood.

SHOT therefore recommends a structured process with a bedside checklist; an alert from the Chief Medical Officer 9^th November 2017 provides information against which organisations should assess their bedside systems