A National Patient Safety Alert has been issued to address the rising number of deaths from Transfusion-Associated Circulatory Overload (TACO).

TACO can occur in any patient of any age and death is potentially preventable. A TACO checklist has been added to the Transfusion Care Pathway to assess patients pre-transfusion. The TACO checklist gives guidance in the management of TACO, use of diuretics, oxygen therapy and other supportive measures.

The Transfusion Care Pathway has been updated on the Policies and Documents Library.

Important reminder

Remember when prescribing blood to write the transfusion time in words. Do not use acronyms.

If you require any assistance please contact the Transfusion Practitioners.