Get Your Free Copy of the Clinical Guidelines Booklet

We are pleased to provide blood users with a free hard copy of the Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Blood and Blood Products in South Africa (6^th Edition), with compliments from Adcock Ingram Critical Care who sponsored the print run.

The Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Blood and Blood Products in South Africa is a joint publication produced by the Western Cape Blood Service (WCBS) and South African National Blood Service (SANBS). It provides recommendations for blood product usage based on peer-reviewed and authoritative publications, along with contributions from the National Bioproducts Institute (NBI) which produces fractionated plasma products in South Africa.

The 6^th Edition reflects the evolution of transfusion medicine over the past few years, highlighted by the inclusion of an opening chapter dedicated to Patient Blood Management (PBM).

“PBM is a multidisciplinary, patient-centric approach that aims to improve patient outcomes. PBM-based rationales should be applied to both surgical and non-surgical patients to: ensure the appropriate use of blood and blood products, minimise risk, and optimise patient outcomes.” – Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Blood and Blood Products in South Africa, 6^th Edition, page 5

Other chapters in the 6^th Edition include: legal aspects of blood transfusion, ordering and administration of blood, red cell components, platelet product transfusion, plasma components and derivatives, leucocyte depletion and irradiation of blood components, and haemovigilance.

Electronic versions can be downloaded via both the WCBS and SANBS websites:

Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Blood and Blood Products, 6^th Edition (PDF)

Ample hard copies are available for clinicians and nursing staff. Ideally, a hard copy should at least be kept at nurses’ stations in wards that use blood and blood products. To order a hard copy, contact Hayley Alie, Hospital Liaison Officer (hayleya@wcbs.org.za).

For queries or more information about the contents of the Clinical Guidelines for the Use of Blood and Blood Products, contact Dr Caroline Hilton, Lead Medical Consultant (caroline@wcbs.org.za).