BLOOD TRANSFUSION: ADMINISTERING RED BLOOD CELLS IN CHILDREN

Course overview

Transfusion is the process whereby blood or blood products (e.g., red blood cells, fresh plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate, clotting factors) are delivered intravenously to the patient’s circulatory system. Transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) refers to intravenous (I.V.) administration of packed RBCs, or erythrocytes, a component of whole blood. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of administering an RBC transfusion. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.