Blood tube shortage 2021 – UK Transfusion Guidance published

UK TRANSFUSION GUIDANCE FOR SAMPLE TUBE SHORTAGES 13 September 2021

This is the UK transfusion guidance for safe transfusions during period of blood sample tube shortages. This document has been developed collaboratively by NBTC Emergency Planning Working Group, SHOT and RCPath Transfusion SAC, with input from BSH Transfusion Task Force. This guidance document should be used in line with local arrangements for risk assessment and concessionary release. While the ongoing shortage is expected to be resolved soon, this guidance document is meant to be a blueprint for Trusts/Health Boards to use to manage from a transfusion point of view. Severity of shortages is variable across the UK and measures implemented are likely to vary, these will need to be used in conjunction with current national guidelines, be risk assessed and implemented collaboratively with frontline clinical and laboratory teams. The provision of safe and timely blood components remains a priority.