Post-transfusion H&H order update starts Feb. 23

Update improves care coordination and reduces delays

The Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (H&H) order within the Red Blood Cell (RBC) Transfusion Panel is being updated so providers can select how many hours post-transfusion the H&H order should be collected; and the nurse will release the order once the transfusion is completed.

Previously, the H&H order was released at the same time as the prepared red cells order, resulting in phlebotomy arriving to draw blood while the patient was still actively receiving a transfusion. This required the draw to be deferred and created a manual workflow dependent on follow-up phone communication. These steps introduced unnecessary delays to get critical lab results and could also postpone other laboratory testing. The updated process improves care coordination by ensuring labs are drawn at the appropriate time, reducing delays in clinical decision-making, supporting more timely treatment adjustments, and ultimately enhancing the patient experience through a more streamlined and reliable workflow.

Test of change details

• A new H&H – Post Transfusion order will be added to the RBC Transfusion Panel and to preference lists.
• The H&H – Post Transfusion order will prompt the clinician to select how long following transfusion the H&H order should be collected.
• After the nurse completes the transfusion in Epic, they will release the H&H – Post Transfusion order when it is time for collection.

 See screenshots below:

Questions? Email Laboratory Medical Director Andrew Judd, MD, at andrew.judd@salemhealth.org or Laboratory Manager Jenny Clow at jenny.clow@salemhealth.org.