Clinical guidance on Supply disruption: Baxter dual chamber blood giving sets
29th Nov 2022
The following is joint clinical guidance from the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the , the , the and the This guidance is also available to .
Summary advice to clinicians
- Avoid use of dual chamber blood* giving sets unless rapid transfusion of blood is certain or extremely likely.
Situation
- We have been informed of a disruption to supply of Baxter dual chamber blood giving sets [pictured below] that is likely to last until March 2023.
- Limiting use of the dual chamber giving sets should mean remaining supplies will be adequate for demand.
- Supply of all other giving sets, including single chamber blood giving sets and sets for level /rapid infusion devices, is assured but may result in institutions receiving products from alternative suppliers.
Background
- Full details can be found in the but it appears there is a problem with product labelling.
Assessment
- Dual chamber blood giving sets are widely used but, in most cases, either no blood transfusion is necessary, or a single chamber set could be used.
- Limiting use will ensure adequate supplies are available.
Recommendations
Clinicians are strongly encouraged to:
- use standard fluid giving sets as their first choice unless rapid blood transfusion is certain or extremely likely
- use single chamber blood giving sets unless rapid transfusion is needed
- use rapid infusion giving sets in major haemorrhage where available
- ensure that, where possible, they have access to the IV cannula or an extension to allow the giving set to be changed if rapid transfusion becomes necessary.
*refers to blood and blood products throughout.
Baxter dual chamber blood set
