BLOOD TRANSFUSION: ADMINISTERING RED BLOOD CELLS IN NEONATES

Course overview

Transfusion of RBCs refers to I.V. administration of packed RBCs, or erythrocytes, a component of whole blood. RBCs are transfused in lieu of whole blood when replenishment of only RBCs is necessary, to control the patient’s total fluid volume, and to reduce the risk for transfusion reaction as there are no clotting factors or platelets included in packed RBCs. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of the process for RBC transfusion in neonates. 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.