BloodSafe eLearning Australia podcasts

The incidence of HDFN due to RhD has fallen substantially since the introduction of RhD immunoglobulin. However, the identification of a pregnant woman at risk of RhD senstitisation is extremely important to ensure that she receives RhD immunoglobulin appropriately. Here, Dr Helen Savoia talks about HDFN, sensitising events and the management of RhD negative women with regard to laboratory testing, surveillance and administration of RhD immunoglobulin in line with the 'Prophylactic use of RhD immunoglobulin in pregnancy care' guideline available at www.blood.gov.au.

Transfusion is a lifesaving procedure but it is not without risks. Patient Blood Management, which aims to reduce the requirement for a transfusion, has for many become a standard of care. For others, the term patient blood management is still unfamiliar and there are barriers to its implementation. Dr James Isbister talks about the history of transfusion, his experience of patient blood management and some tips on how to introduce it into practice.

Identifying a patient's risk of bleeding preoperatively is an integral step in developing a blood management plan to minimise blood loss during surgery. It is the responsibility of a multidisciplinary team that may include general practitioners, surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, haematologists and allied health staff. Clinical Associate Dr Philip Crispin from Canberra Hospital talks about the haematologist's role in preoperative risk assessment.

Identifying a patient's risk of bleeding preoperatively is an integral step in developing a blood management plan to minimise blood loss during surgery. It is the responsibility of a multidisciplinary team that may include general practitioners, surgeons, nurses, anaesthetists, haematologists and allied health staff. Clinical Associate Dr Philip Crispin from Canberra Hospital talks about the haematologist's role in preoperative risk assessment.

Tranexamic acid is increasingly being used to treat patients with substantial blood loss. Dr Daniel Bodnar from the Royal Brisbane and Women's and Queensland Children's Hospitals, and Queensland Ambulance Service describes how tranexamic acid works to arrest bleeding, its applications, clinical studies into the use of tranexamic acid and future needs.