Informed Consent
Blood transfusions save lives, but patients have the right to understand the benefits, risks, and alternatives before receiving them. Clinicians must follow the South African National Health Act (2003) by ensuring patients give documented informed consent whenever possible.
What should be discussed?
- Why the transfusion is needed
- Which blood products will be used, and how many transfusions may be required
- Benefits and risks
- Alternatives (such as designated donation or acute normovolaemic haemodilution)
- Risks of declining treatment
- Costs, if applicable
When is informed consent not required?
- In emergencies where the patient cannot consent
- For minors (a parent/guardian provides consent)
- Patients with mental illness (where a legal guardian consents)
- When a court order authorises treatment
Patient information leaflets (English and Afrikaans) are available to support these discussions.