← Back
Psychology, family and everyday life

Hygiene on transfusion day: a clean start

On transfusion day you may be neutropenic or have a catheter. Simple hygiene preparation lowers the risk of infection and helps the procedure go smoothly.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A woman in a headscarf resting in a hospital bed with an IV line
Figure 1.Transfusion day: a clean start

01Short answer

Shower the evening before or in the morning (protecting your line if you have one; see “Keeping the catheter dry: what to use and how”). Wear clean clothes with loose sleeves so your arm or line is easy to reach. Bring hand rub, tissues and your own water bottle. In the waiting room, sit away from people who are unwell, and wear a mask if your team advises it. Wash your hands before eating and after the toilet. Do not touch your line dressing yourself. When you get home, wash your hands and change your clothes.

02Simple explanation

Shower first.

Loose sleeves.

Your own hand rub.

Line: do not touch.

03Scientific explanation

NHS and MedlinePlus: transfusions are given in hospital or a day unit; the usual infection rules apply during neutropenia.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Access site

A vein or line can be a way in for infection.

Hospital

The waiting room brings contact with other patients.

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Access siteA vein or line can be a way in for infection.
HospitalThe waiting room brings contact with other patients.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Day unit
A ward for treatment without an overnight stay.
Antiseptic
A product that kills germs.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Wash.
  • Prepare.
  • Protect.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I use cream?

Not on the access site; unscented cream is fine elsewhere.

Do I need a mask?

Ask your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I use cream?

  2. Do I need a mask?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Blood transfusions
  2. NHS. Blood transfusion
  3. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  5. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  6. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Support for Families When Someone Has Cancer
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjustment to Cancer: Anxiety and Distress (PDQ®)
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Managing Costs and Medical Information
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Last updated: ← Back to the list

Open the interactive site →