Blood and Blood Products
Red Cells/Albumin by Co-infusion

 

 Authorised by Charge Nurse - Newborn
April
2006
Clinical Guidelines Back Newborn Services Home Page

Please Note:
  • The New Zealand Blood Service does not approve of co-infusion (despite the in vitro studies) and recommend against it.
  • However if the Consultant caring for the baby wants to take responsibility for the co-infusion of blood with dextrose/protein products, co-infusion may occur.

Process

Follow the steps below when co-infusion of red cells/albumin is to occur.

Step Action
1 'CO-INFUSION' must be specifically charted by Doctor/NS-ANP (on Consultant orders) on the fluid order sheet.
2 Babies without a separate IV line, red cells/albumin may be co-infused with dextrose/saline or intravenous nutrition (P10, N10, P7.5, special IVN solutions).
3 Red cells/albumin cannot be co-infused with dextrose only solutions (e.g 10% dextrose) as they do not contain saline and there is a risk of red cell aggregation.
4 Intralipid must be turned off during red cell infusion.
5 Red cells must be infused as close to the baby as possible.  This is to minimise the time in contact with the hypertonic solutions.
6 Co-infusion with other drugs, inotropes, sedatives etc needs to be individualised per baby and done on Consultant's orders.