I am interested to know what others are doing when they have patients with PFO using filters that need a red blood cell transfusion. Are they removing the filters or leaving them on? Also if leaving on the filter what size filter are they using?
Thanks
Blood MUST be transfused with a blood filter which has pore between 170 to 220 microns. Air eliminating filters are either 0.22 or 1.2 microns. Blood will simply not move through the smaller size filters And can not be used. I have given huge numbers of units of blood and never seen a risk of air entering the line. You can use an electronic infusion pump with an air in line alarm and a labeled indication for blood. Avoid using pressure bags for blood as this can cause air to be forced in when the bag is empty and no one stops the pressure.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Thank you, I am aware of the blood transfusion filters just wasn't sure about the PFO patients.