There is a risk of serious harm if you use the wrong administration set for blood transfusion. Use of an IV infusion giving set instead of a blood transfusion giving set may result in under-infusion of blood or destruction of red blood cells (haemolysis) which can lead to serious patient injury.

Colleagues must:

• always use a blood transfusion giving set for a blood transfusion
• be aware that using an IV infusion giving set for a blood transfusion can result in under-infusion of blood or haemolysis with potentially serious consequences for the patient.

An image is attached which can help you identify the correct set.

Please share this information with clinical colleagues. 

Further information from the Medicines and Healthcare Regulation Authority is available online.