Module 1 Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion is under review. This version was published in March 2011 and is based on the best available evidence published up to July 2009. The original version remains available to guide practice.
UPDATE ON THE REVIEW An updated draft Patient blood management guideline for people with critical bleeding was open for public consultation from 28 September 2022 to 9 November 2022. All submissions are being considered by the Clinical/Consumer Reference Group, which comprises representatives from specialist colleges, societies and organisations and the guideline will be updated accordingly. The draft guideline will also undergo an AGREE II assessment to confirm the methodological rigour and transparency in which it was developed. |
Module 1 is intended to assist and guide health-care professionals in making clinical decisions when managing patients with critical bleeding who require or are likely to require massive transfusion.
Module 1 includes a Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP) template that is designed to be adapted to meet local institutions’ patient population and resources.
The Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion module and accompanying resources can be accessed by clicking on the relevant links below.
Module 1 Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion (pdf) (5.33 MB)
- Module 1 Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion Online (html)
Quick Reference Guide Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion (pdf) (1.78 MB)
PBM Guidelines Massive Transfusion Protocol Template (ppt) (422 KB) - further information on the development, local adaptation, activation and cessation of a massive transfusion protocol is at chapter 4.10 of the module
- Online order form to request hard copies for free (within Australia and New Zealand only)
Technical Report Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion - Volume 1 (pdf) (1.88 MB) - Review of Evidence
Technical Report Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion - Volume 2 (pdf) (3.24 MB) - Appendixes
College & Society Endorsements
The National Blood Authority (NBA) greatly appreciates and acknowledges the input received from the clinical community in producing the Patient Blood Management Guidelines. We are pleased to acknowledge that the following organisations have formally endorsed Module 1 - Critical Bleeding/Massive Transfusion:
- Australasian College for Emergency Medicine
- Australasian Society for Emergency Medicine
- Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
- Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
- College of Intensive Care Medicine of Australia and New Zealand
- Medical Oncology Group of Australia
- Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand
- Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
- Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
- Royal College of Nursing Australia
- Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Review and update of the PBM Guidelines
The NBA is currently considering the review and update process across the entire suite of modules rather than each module being updated in an isolated and iterative process. The aim is to transition to a sustainable and updateable methodology that will enable updates as the evidence base and clinical practice evolves. For more information please refer to the Patient Blood Management Guidelines Progress Update webpage.
For more information
To provide feedback and inform future reviews of this module, please send any comments on its content or implementation, or on the accompanying materials, to the project manager at:
- Email guidelines@blood.gov.au
- Mail:
Patient Blood Management Guidelines
National Blood Authority
Locked Bag 8430
Canberra ACT 2601 - Fax (02) 6151 5300