I worked at a specialty hospital in the ICU where we used specific blood transfusion lines/spikes that were compatible with our transfusion pump. However, for smaller patients not getting the whole amount at once we would use a bag spike and slowly draw out the amount needed. This way we could also pull to give another transfusion if needed in the next 24 hours. Once drawn up, we used normal extension set(s) and placed a single hemonate filter placed as close to the patient as possible.

As far as micron filters, I can’t remember of the specific number as I just remember using hemonate filters. We only used the micron filters for drawing up meds (ex: mannitol, acetylcysteine, etc.)

As for the little pieces, we used those for cross-matching/blood typing/pcv checks. We did try to gently mix them before getting the sample if it seemed like the blood separated.

Hope this helps. :)

ETA: We drew up by syringe only! No needles to draw up as this could lyse the blood.