Volume 37 (4), September 2022 | Page 40

The RVN ' s role in reducing the risk of packed red blood cell transfusion reactions in dogs

Katie Peates , RVN , BSc ( Hons ), DipHE , CVN , DipAVN ( SA )
The College of Animal Welfare and Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists
ENVELOPE katie . peates @ scvetspecialists . co . uk
Katie graduated with a first-class honours degree in Veterinary Nursing from Middlesex University ( in partnership with The College of Animal Welfare ) in 2015 , before joining the field of referral nursing where she specialised in internal medicine . In 2019 , she gained her Advanced Veterinary Nursing diploma with distinction from Myerscough College . Katie ’ s main clinical interests include transfusion medicine , hepatobiliary and endocrinology . She is also passionate about teaching and now teaches veterinary nursing full time on the diploma and degree pathways at The College of Animal Welfare , as well as working as a senior wards RVN in a referral practice at the weekend .
ABSTRACT The author carried out a literature review to analyse research into packed red blood cell ( PRBC ) transfusions and associated reactions , with the aim of updating practice protocols on the safe handling , storage and administration of PRBCs to patients . The information examined how RVNs can assist in reducing the risk of transfusion reactions by keeping up to date with current research . In this article , the author reviews three key causes of blood-transfusion reactions ( blood typing and cross-matching , storage and handling , and storage lesion ), with the intention of increasing awareness among RVNs so they can prioritise and implement care that optimises patient wellbeing .
Keywords blood transfusion , packed red blood cells , cross-matching , storage lesion , erythrocyte antigens , transfusion medicine
40 Veterinary Nursing Journal