In 2002 the Clinical Practice Guidelines on the use of Blood components were published by the joint initiative of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Blood Transfusion (ANZSBT) in cooperation with the Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing, the Royal Australian College of Surgeons, the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists, and other relevant groups.
The guidelines aim to support clinical decisions in the appropriate use of red cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and cryoprecipitate through the use of current evidence underpinning the indications for use.
Areas covered include current practice, evidence on the use of components, recommendations for clinical practice and some recommendations for organisational practice.
The guidelines are supported with several resources including a book for clinicians and information sheets for all involved in the practice of transfusion, including patients.
These items are available by contacting the NHMRC by email, or phone (02) 6289 9520.