Transfusion Best Practice Alert Announcement, Effective 7.28.10

On July 28, 2010 a new best practice alert will be implemented to ensure appropriate use of donated red blood cells. Regions Hospital transfusion guidelines were developed by the hospital Transfusion Committee and approved by the Patient Care Committee. When a red blood cell transfusion is being ordered, Epic will examine the prior hemoglobin result. If the hemoglobin value does not meet best practice guidelines, the following message will appear.

This change is in accordance with best practice as exemplified by this seminal article: N Engl J Med. 1999 Feb 11;340(6):409-17. This alert will be presented to all persons placing the order, regardless of location, role, or admission status. It will appear once per 24 hours on any patient. This BPA has been approved by the Patient Care Committee of Regions Hospital. Please direct questions to Dr. Subramanian, Director of Pathology Informatics 651-254-9628 amar.t.subramanian@healthpartners.com