Blood Administration

[Wuerz_Lorelle]

I have an issue I would like some feedback on.  

A patient arrived to our outpatient infusion center from the doctors office with a #22 catheter (in the hand) in place for a blood transfusion.  Our policy states that optimally an 18# G or larger should be used if possible.  The MD states that this catheter is fine to use in front of the patient, and the patient is now refusing another stick.  The nurses don't feel comfortable infusing blood products through the line, and feel that it is inappropriate.

I know that in peds we used to infuse with #22,#24, but this was different volumes over different times....

Please advise.

Lorelle Wuerz BS, RN
Manager Infusion Services
Robert Packer Hospital