In modern healthcare, hemotransfusion of various blood products is used as a therapeutic method due to their multiple effects, both in emergency cases and in the treatment of a number of acute and chronic diseases. The uniqueness of blood and blood products in medical practice stems from the fact that the only source of blood is a healthy individual. While attempts have been made for many years to create artificial blood, no synthetic liquid has yet been developed that can fully replace donated blood.
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the activities related to the provision and administration of blood products, and to clarify the need and importance of implementing good nursing practices in hemotransfusion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Documentary method: Research of medical literature, documentation, and regulatory documents on the subject.
Sociological method: Self-developed questionnaires used for two public opinion surveys.
Statistical methods: Data analysis and interpretation.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: More than half of the surveyed nurses (64.2%) shared the need to introduce new forms to recruit a sufficient number of donors to ensure the necessary amounts of blood products. The experts expressed approval and agreed that this is the correct approach to securing donors. Adherence to established healthcare algorithms for both donors and recipients would help avoid errors and prevent complications during hemotransfusion.
Law on Blood, Blood Donation, and Blood Transfusion. State Gazette No. 102, November 21, 2003; amended State Gazette No. 77, September 18, 2018.
Karnolski I. Clinical Hematology. Volume I. Sofia: Medicine and Physical Education; 2003.
Markova S. Medical Standards for Health Care. Stara Zagora: IC “AB”; 2008.
Ordinance No. 9 of April 25, 2006, for the Approval of the Medical Standard “Transfusion Hematology.” Issued by the Minister of Health; translation and additional State Gazette No. 35, April 24, 2018.
Ordinance No. 29 of July 19, 2004, on the Conditions and Procedure for Compiling, Processing, Storing, and Providing Information from the Register under Art. 36 of the CCPC and on the Forms of Documentation. Issued by the Minister of Health; promulgated State Gazette No. 82, September 21, 2004.
National Center for Transfusion Hematology. Available from: https://ncth.bg/
