What must be assigned to a patient prior to a blood transfusion?

The assignment of a Blood Bank Identification Number (BBIN) to a patient prior to a blood transfusion is essential for ensuring the safety and accuracy of the transfusion process. The BBIN serves as a unique identifier that links the patient to their specific blood product, allowing for precise tracking and verification throughout the transfusion process.

This identification process is crucial to avoid any mix-ups or transfusion reactions, as it confirms that the blood product comes from a compatible donor and matches the patient's requirements. The integrity of the transfusion protocol hinges on this careful matching, which enhances patient safety.

While other identifiers such as a patient identification number or medical history number may play roles in a patient’s overall medical care, they do not specifically ensure the safety of the blood transfusion in the way that the BBIN does. The BBIN is unique to the blood product and is integral to the flow of information between the blood bank and healthcare providers during the transfusion process.