Introduction and usage of blood transfusion sets

A transfusion set is an infusion device that establishes a pathway between blood and a vein. It consists of an insertion needle, an air inlet needle or port (optional, includes an air filter), a needle cap, a Y-shaped three-way connector (optional, includes a flexible tube and a flow clamp), a dropper (containing a blood filter), tubing, a drug delivery port (optional), a flow regulator, an injection fitting (optional), and a 7-gauge (22G) or larger intravenous or injection needle (optional).

I. Instructions for Using Blood Transfusion Sets

Check that the blood transfusion set packaging is intact, the set is within its expiration date, and the needle type is appropriate. After checking, open the packaging, insert the insertion needle into the saline bottle, expel air, and perform intravenous puncture as per intravenous infusion procedures. Infuse a small amount of saline solution. Check the information on the blood bag and ensure the blood is not contaminated. Open the cap of the blood bag and sterilize it. Hang the IV stand, insert the blood transfusion set into the blood bag, and begin the transfusion. Adjust the transfusion rate. After the blood is transfused, reconnect the saline solution. Once the drip is smooth, remove the needle or repeat the above procedure for the next bag of blood products.

II. Instructions for Using a Y-Type Blood Transfusion Set

Check that the blood transfusion set packaging is intact, the set is within its expiration date, and the needle size is appropriate. After checking, open the packaging. Insert one needle into the saline bottle and the other into the blood bag. Close the tubing leading to the blood bag and open the tubing leading to the saline. Expel air, perform venipuncture, and infuse a small amount of saline. Close the tubing leading to the saline and open the tubing leading to the blood bag to begin the transfusion. Adjust the transfusion rate. After the blood is transfused, close the tubing leading to the blood bag and open the tubing leading to the saline. Flush the blood, then close the flow regulator and remove the needle, or continue transfusing the next bag of blood products as described above.

The needle used for the transfusion must be a gauge 7 or larger; otherwise, the transfusion may not be possible due to the needle being too small. The medication inlet on the blood transfusion set cannot be used to add medication or other blood products while a transfusion has already begun. Medication should only be added when establishing intravenous access before the transfusion and infusing saline. Y-type blood transfusion sets can avoid the problem of repeated blood and saline changes affecting the work of medical staff.