Appropriate use of blood components

The toolkits on this page provide information on how to use blood components appropriately if a transfusion is needed.

Patient blood management strategies can reduce the risk of needing blood components, but in some cases, a transfusion might be the most appropriate intervention.

If this is the case, use the resources here to minimise risk and achieve optimal benefit.

This guidance will also help protect the supply of blood components, making sure they are available for those who need them.

Toolkits

Platelets

Recommendations for the safe and appropriate use of platelets can be found here.

Learn more about using platelets

Group O red blood cells

Access national guidance and evidence to support the appropriate use of O D positive and O D negative red cells.

Read more about group O red cells

Single-unit blood transfusions

Information for clinical and laboratory transfusion staff to support a single unit approach to blood transfusion.

About single-unit transfusions

Page last reviewed: 10 February 2025