Transfusion information for patients

These pages have been produced by transfusion professionals from across the UK.

Your consent for a blood transfusion is required in both routine and emergency situations. However, how your consent is obtained may differ dependent on the situation.

For a planned blood transfusion, a healthcare professional will have the opportunity to discuss the need for a blood transfusion with you. They will explain why it is recommended, discuss potential benefits and risks, highlight any possible alternatives and address any questions or concerns you might have. You will be given time to consider the information and provide your consent in advance.

In emergency situations, where a blood transfusion is required immediately, it may not be possible to obtain your consent before the transfusion. If this happens, a healthcare professional will talk to you about what happened, including the reason for the blood transfusion, as soon as they can afterwards. They will also provide you with information about the procedure, its benefits and any potential risks, and address any questions or concerns you may have at the time.

Infected Blood Inquiry

The Infected Blood Inquiry (IBI) published its report in 2024. The report describes the serious harm blood transfusion has caused in the past, and the lasting impact this has had on patients and their families. This underlines the importance of a full, open and honest discussion prior to a planned transfusion, or after an unexpected transfusion in an emergency.

To find out more, visit the IBI inquiry website.

If you think you or a family member may have been affected, please use links below for more information and contact details should you wish to discuss your concerns:

Information leaflets

Use the links below to access resources which contain the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not to consent to a blood transfusion.

Receiving a blood transfusion

Download the 'Receiving a Blood Transfusion' leaflet (PDF 314KB)

Download the 'Easy Read: Having a Blood Transfusion' leaflet (PDF 1.93MB)

The 'Receiving a Blood Transfusion' leaflet is available in audio and screen reader compatible versions.

It has also been translated into different languages.

Printed versions

Printed versions of the leaflets above, as well as other patient information leaflets about transfusion, are available from your local blood service:

Conversations with your healthcare team

We encourage you to discuss your transfusion treatment further with your healthcare team. For example, you might want to ask:

  • Should I do anything special to prepare for my transfusion?
  • Is there anything I should do afterwards?
  • How long will my appointment take? Should I bring anything with me?
  • I have regular transfusions. Is there anything in particular I need to know?

Transfusion information app

The Serious Hazards of Transfusion (SHOT) scheme has developed a new app, called My Transfusion. This is the UK’s first patient transfusion information app, co-created with patients, for patients. Whether you are new to blood transfusions, or have them regularly, this free app aims to help you feel informed, confident and to better understand the key issues around blood transfusion safety.

My Transfusion is available to download on Apple and Android devices (see QR codes below), and can be accessed online at the SHOT My Transfusion website.

qr-codes

SHOT also have a patient information page that you might want to visit for some further resources and blood transfusion safety messages.

Contact details

Please contact the following if you have any difficulties accessing these resources or have further queries:

Information:

Hosted by JPAC on behalf of the UK and Ireland Blood Transfusion Network