The Visual Assessment Guide has been produced for use by hospital and Canadian Blood Services personnel who process and handle blood components for transfusion. This guide describes the variation in appearance of blood components, the conditions that affect the visual appearance of component, and the criteria for acceptability. It should be used in conjunction with local hospital policy and procedures under the direction of the Transfusion Services Medical Director.
Hard copies of the guide have been provided to each hospital transfusion medicine laboratory. If the guide is printed locally or viewed on-line the pictures may not be color-true.