Blood Product Refusal
Nov 23, 2023![](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147545446/images/b54107b-e61-8c6c-6e7a-a764fa6bb87a_39.jpg)
Any competent adult may refuse to receive blood products!
One in every 360 Australians identify as a Jehovah’s Witness, and this is the most common patient group you will encounter who refuse blood products. π©Έβ
The most important thing your team needs to do is ensure you have a clear understanding of the patient’s wishes and a valid advance health directive in whichever format is relevant in your region. πβ
Jehovah’s witnesses will accept:
Crystalloid fluid (NS, Hartmann’s, Dextrose) β
EPO that doesn’t contain albumin β
Jehovah’s witnesses will NOT accept:
Whole blood that has left the circulation β
Packed red cells β
Platelets β
FFP β
Interventions that require clarification:
π Intraoperative cell salvage
π Clotting factor concentrates
π Albumin
π Cryoprecipitate
When there is any bleeding risk and time permits, there should be a multidisciplinary discussion involving the anaesthetic team, the surgeon the patient and possibly a haematologist. There are several effective strategies that can be implemented to improve outcomes in the setting of blood product refusal. π
Build knowledge β
Improve safety β
Refs
https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/4/2/35/271642
https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/worldwide/AU/