Which health care team member is typically allowed to transport blood products to and from the blood bank?

Which health care team member is typically allowed to transport blood products to and from the blood bank?

• A. Registered Nurse
• B. Licensed Practical Nurse
• C. Nurse Assistant
• D. Unlicensed Assistive Personnel

Answer: (D)

Transporting blood products is a safety-critical task that requires proper verification, chain-of-custody, and temperature control. Because of the need to confirm patient identity, compatibility, labeling, and documentation, this duty is reserved for licensed personnel who have the training to perform these checks accurately and document the process. Unlicensed assistive personnel do not have the scope to handle or transport blood products, as doing so could lead to transfusion errors, compromised product viability, or breaches in safety protocols. In some settings, a specialized transfusion courier or blood bank staff handle transport under established protocols, but always under supervision and with proper training. The takeaway is that licensed nurses (and other licensed staff) are the ones typically allowed to transport blood products.

Transporting blood products is a safety-critical task that requires proper verification, chain-of-custody, and temperature control. Because of the need to confirm patient identity, compatibility, labeling, and documentation, this duty is reserved for licensed personnel who have the training to perform these checks accurately and document the process. Unlicensed assistive personnel do not have the scope to handle or transport blood products, as doing so could lead to transfusion errors, compromised product viability, or breaches in safety protocols. In some settings, a specialized transfusion courier or blood bank staff handle transport under established protocols, but always under supervision and with proper training. The takeaway is that licensed nurses (and other licensed staff) are the ones typically allowed to transport blood products.