HEMOLYSIS OF ERYTHROCYTES IN INTRAVENOUS INFUSION DEVICES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Abstract

Extracorporeal hemolysis may be identified during hemotherapy. The nurse is one of the professionals responsible for the administration of blood components and the control of possible risks, and must therefore acquire the knowledge which supports clinical practice. The objective was to identify, in the literature, aspects related to hemolysis in concentrates of red blood cells resulting from the administration of blood through intravenous infusion devices. An Integrative Review of the Literature was undertaken, including articles in the English, Spanish and Portuguese languages, without limitation of data, indexed in four databases. A total of 12 (100.0%) scientific productions were selected, of which seven (58.3%) analyzed infusion pumps, two (16.7%) the handling of erythrocytes, two (16.7%) hemolysis with combinations of devices, and one (8.3%), the intravenous catheter. The results of four (33.3%) of these studies evidenced the occurrence of hemolysis. The studies indicated that hemolysis can occur during the passage of the component through infusion pumps and catheters.

Keywords

• Patient safety
• Transfusion
• Hemolysis
• Erythrocytes
• Intravenous infusions