Re: BLOOD ADMINISTRATION

[Gwen Irwin]

I agree with the others about smaller catheters being safe for transfusion.  Our policy does not state the size required, since it covers adults, pedi, and NICU.  The pedi and NICU patients certainly can't get blood via a 20 gauge catheter.  Those populations are transfused via 24 catheters all the time (of course, the volume is much smaller and is not given rapidly).   I have been having a debate with the editor of RN magazine about this, since their July 2005 issue stated must use at least a 20 gauge or better yet an 18 gauge.  "The bigger is better" was used in the article.  I have provided them with references about 22 gauge is OK.  However, if it is a trauma patient that needs rapid transfusion, a 22 might be questionable to use.  The AABB Technical Manual states a smaller catheter can be used, but cautions using pressure devices (like anesthesia uses) with smaller catheters.  If I am lucky, RN magazine might have a follow-up article about this.  I believe that this is nurses perpetuating myths, based on old information.   We have had adult patients get outpatient transfusion of 2 units via a 24 gauge catheter (due to lousy veins).  The units were transfused slower, but certainly completed in less than 4 hours.  They came back the next day for H&H and had the expected increase of hgb. of 2 grams. Gwen Irwin Austin, Texas   ----- Original Message ----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2005 7:19 AM Subject: BLOOD ADMINISTRATION At the institution I currently work for we have had an issue with what size IV is appropriate for blood administration.  I am curious as to what policies are out there and what evidence based practice studies have been done.  The main question is #20 gauge is the smallest gauge that is appropriate for administration. Thank you , Tamara [EMAIL PROTECTED]