When collecting blood for a patient, what should you prioritize?

Prioritizing the choice of the unit that will expire first is essential for several reasons. Blood products have a limited shelf life, and using them in the order of their expiration dates helps ensure that the freshest units are used first, minimizing wastage and maximizing the safety and effectiveness of the transfusion.

By selecting the unit that will expire soonest, you contribute to maintaining an efficient blood inventory while reducing the risk of administering a unit that may not be at its optimal quality for patient care. This practice aligns with guidelines and best practices in blood management, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective treatment possible.

Collecting the oldest unit available, taking the unit at the front of the fridge, or taking all units with the patient's details may not consider the critical variable of expiration, which is paramount in blood transfusion practices. Hence, the focus on expiration dates supports good clinical outcomes and helps maintain the integrity of the blood supply.