If a patient is not back within a given time after a unit delivery, what is typically expected?

The expectation that a unit of blood should be returned to the laboratory if the patient does not arrive within a specified time is grounded in safety protocols and the integrity of blood products. Blood components have strict time limits for being out of controlled storage conditions to prevent bacterial growth and ensure that the blood maintains its viability for transfusion.

If a unit of blood is not transfused within a certain timeframe after delivery, it cannot be held indefinitely or discarded arbitrarily. Returning it to the laboratory allows for proper handling, documentation, and potential re-distribution to other patients in need. This practice adheres to hospital policies and regulatory guidelines designed to safeguard patient health and manage blood supplies efficiently.

Storing the unit indefinitely is impractical and unsafe, as blood products have limited shelf lives. Initiating a transfusion without the patient present poses a significant risk to patient safety and violates protocols designed to ensure proper patient identification and consent. Discarding the unit without returning it to the laboratory also disregards the opportunity for appropriate handling and potential re-use, which is contrary to best practices in blood management.