Transfusion Medicine Online Learning

July 2026

Key Learning Objectives:

• Explain different ways that donor safety and welfare can be protected by the blood bank in their donor programme
• Discuss the term ‘universal donor’ in relation to both cats and dogs: what does this mean, what donor would make the ideal universal donor and why
• Identify dog breeds that are more likely to have DEA 1 negative blood type
• State the minimum and maximum red blood cell transport temperatures
• State reasons for the temperature control of blood products
• Describe a quad bag blood collection system and identify how it is used
• Identify benefits of utilising component therapy over whole blood
• Define the term ‘labile clotting factor’
• Describe the process for separating whole blood into components so that a platelet product, a packed red cell product and a plasma product are produced
• Explain the rationale for the leukoreduction of red cell units
• Define the term ‘transfusion transmitted infection’ and identify strategies that can be employed to reduce the risk of this occurring
• Explain the importance of donor screening on the safety of the recipient and donor
• Describe the discoveries that enabled the storage of blood and underpin the development of blood banking
• Describe the history of human and veterinary blood banking
• Identify how blood transfusion practices have changed over the years

September 2026

Key Learning Objectives:

• Compare and contrast Fresh Frozen with Frozen Plasma in terms of activity and indications
• Compare and contrast Cryoprecipitate with Cryosupernatant in terms of activity and indications
• Compare and contrast Fresh Whole Blood with Stored Whole Blood in terms of activity and indications
• Explain the indications for and activity of packed red blood cells
• Describe how plasma products should be stored and state the shelf life of each
• Describe how red cell products should be stored and why it is important to maintain optimal unit quality and state the shelf life of each
• Define the term ‘storage lesion’ and explain the impact they have on red cell units
• Discuss the different platelet products available and any storage considerations
• Identify the albumin products available
• Describe the concept of vein-to-vein traceability and why it is important and explain how this can be achieved in the practice setting
• Describe the process of feline blood collection to include donor selection and criteria, screening, equipment required and the process of donation and donor care
• Describe the process of canine blood collection to include donor selection and criteria, screening, equipment required and the process of donation and donor care
• Calculate the safe donation volumes for feline and canine donors of a given weight

November 2026

Key Learning Objectives:

• Define the terms ‘antigen’ and ‘antibody’
  Describe the canine antigen system and identify all known antigens and comment on their prevalence and transfusion significance
• Explain the immune response to a non-self erythrocyte antigen exposure on the first encounter
• Define the term ‘sensitisation’
• Explain the immune response to exposure of a non-self erythrocyte antigen following sensitisation
• State all known feline antigens
• Explain the significance of naturally occurring antibodies when considering transfusions in cats
• Discuss the importance of blood typing canines and felines and the significance of the DEA 1 antigen and AB Type in red cell and plasma product selection
• Explain Feline Neonatal Isoerythrolysis and state strategies that can be employed to reduce the risk of neonate death
• Explain the impact of the major cross match on recipient safety for transfusion naïve and non-naïve canine and feline recipients
• Explain when a minor cross match may be employed and how this differs from a major cross match
• Select a compatible unit based on a cross match result and justify the decision
• Discuss the information that should be passed to a transfusion recipient’s owner at discharge and why

January 2027

Key Learning Objectives

• Identify where erythropoiesis takes place
  Explain how erythrocytes are formed and identify factors affecting erythropoiesis
  Describe the main morphological differences between immature and mature erythrocytes in dogs
• Describe the appearance and significance of the different reticulocytes in cats
• Define the terms ‘MCV’, ‘MCH’ and ‘MCHC’ and state the information they provide
• Discuss the limitations of red cell information provided by haematology analysers
• Explain how a diagnosis of anaemia is made and how the anaemia is classified based on the patient’s ability to manufacture replacement red cells and the cause of red cell deficiency
• Identify common erythrocyte abnormalities found on blood smears in anaemic canines and felines and explain how they are formed and an example of a condition where they may be present
• Explain the likely clinical history reported and the physical examination findings commonly associated with anaemia and explain why these signs occur
• Define the term ‘IMHA’ and explain the aetiology and briefly summarise the pathophysiology
• Describe the aetiology of common causes of hypoplastic anaemia
• Discuss the use of blood products in the management of anaemia to include reference to recommendations around unit age and levels of haemolysis

March 2027

Key Learning Objectives

• Describe the role of platelets in haemostasis and explain how platelet function is assessed
  Define extrinsic, intrinsic and common pathways in relation to coagulation
• Identify the roles of thrombin and fibrinogen in coagulation
• Identify the vitamin-K dependent clotting factors
• Identify common causes of canine and feline hereditary coagulopathies and provide a brief overview of the aetiology
• Identify common causes of canine and feline acquired coagulopathies and provide a brief overview of the aetiology
• Explain the history and clinical examination finding that may be associated with a coagulopathic state
• Describe good technique for the collection of blood samples for coagulation testing
• List the tests that may be used in practice to assess coagulation and briefly outline the techniques involved
• Describe specific nursing considerations for the coagulopathic patient

May 2027

Key Learning Objectives

• Identify factors to be considered by the primary clinician when deciding if and when to transfuse a patient
• Identify the routes by which blood products can be administered
• Explain how timing must be considered in relation to the duration of blood product administration
• List the checks to carry out on a blood product unit prior to use
• Describe the entire blood product preparation process, identifying any differences between red cell and plasma preparation
• Describe the process of separating blood products and how it is then stored following separation and explain why this may be necessary
• Explain considerations when planning a non-urgent transfusion
• Describe how to prepare a recipient for the transfusion
• Calculate transfusion rates in mL/hr and drops/minute for whole blood, packed red blood cells and plasma
• Identify situations when standard transfusion rates would be inappropriate and how the transfusion rate could be amended
• List the minimum parameters to monitor during a transfusion and the frequency of observations from start to completion
• Describe the delivery plan for cryoprecipitate to a surgical patient to include product volume and the timing of the transfusion

July 2027

Key Learning Objectives

• Explain the difference between the terms immunological and nonimmunological adverse transfusion reaction
• Identify acute immunological reactions and explain their signs, cause and management
• Identify acute non-immunological reactions and explain how the recipient risks might be reduced
• Identify delayed immunological adverse transfusion reactions and explain how they are recognised
• Describe what investigative and reporting action you should take following a suspected adverse transfusion reaction

August 2027

Key Learning Objectives

• Describe the equipment set up and procedure to perform an autotransfusion for a patient with a traumatic haemoperitoneum
• Identify how the evaluation of PCV can be used when deciding on an autotransfusion following intracavitary haemorrhage
• Compare the use of autologous blood with a whole blood transfusion collected from a donor
  Explain when an autotransfusion would not be performed and why
• Explain the equipment required, set up and the process of autotransfusion for a patient with a traumatic haemothorax
• Outline the technique for cell salvage
• Define the term ‘xenotransfusion’ and explain when and how it would be performed
• Explain the consequences and potential problems associated with xenotransfusion
• Identify other species in which blood transfusions can be performed, summarising, what, if anything, is known about their blood compatibility