Summary
Obstetric conditions associated with the need for blood transfusion may lead to morbidity and mortality if not managed correctly. The increasingly important issues in blood transfusion are adverse events associated with transfusion, including potential infection and potential transmission of prions, rising costs and the possible future problems of availability.
The aim of this guideline is to update the previous guidance about the appropriate use of blood products that neither compromises the affected woman nor exposes her to unnecessary risk. Strategies to maximise the haemoglobin (Hb) level at delivery as well as to minimise blood loss are also discussed.
Version history
The first edition of this guideline was published in 2007. This is the second edition of this guideline, published in 2015; reviewed 2018 – no update required; reviewed 2021 – no update required; reviewed 2022 – no update required; reviewed 2025 – an update is in development.
Developer declaration of interests
Dr L Green: None declared.
Dr C Connolly: Dr Connolly is a trustee of registered Scottish Charity SC)41743 Scotland Malawi Anaesthesia, which is currently delivering a multidisciplinary obstetric emergencies course in three districts in Malawi. This work is funded by a grant from the Scottish Government International Development Fund.
Dr TK Cooper: None declared.
Dr G Cho: Dr Cho is a member of the National Blood Transfusion Committee and chairs the London Regional Transfusion Committee. He is a member of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology (BCSH) Transfusion Task Force.
Dr S Allard: None declared.