Blood and gauge

March 6, 2008

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An interesting issue has formed the basis of an argument for many years. Can you safely deliver a blood transfusion via a small gauge cannula? In practice we have used 22g cannula for almost a decade in haematology for the routine transfusion of blood components. Recently Gloria Acquillo (2007) reminds us the animal studies have show that haemolysis has increased with the use of larger cannula. It is felt turbulence increases with velocity and radius… which in turn increases the incidence of haemolysis. Acquillo (2007) continues to describes the safe use of 24g cannula in a limited number of patients.Reference: Acquillo G. (2007) Blood transfusion flow rate. JAVA. 12(4), p. 225-226.