A patient needs to be informed of the risks of a transfusion and of the therapeutic alternatives. After having been given this information the patient or, in the case of minors, their parent or guardian, can sign an INFORMED CONSENT TO RECEIVE BLOOD PRODUCTS form, which will be added to the patient’s clinical history.
The absence of consent for blood component transfusions can cause problems. The law says that in the case of emergencies, doctors are required to administer treatment which they consider appropriate, even though this may be contrary to the wishes of the patient.
Jurisprudence considers the right to life, physical integrity and the protection of health, as absolute rights. The life of an individual is always above the autonomy of the individual.
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