Abstract

 Background and Objectives

 The main purpose of blood transfusion is to provide adequate and safe blood products to achieve the best clinical outcome. Therefore, having enough knowledge about storage, preparation, and administration of blood products is essential. Therefore, this study aimed to determine students' knowledge about different aspects of blood transfusion in Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2013.

 Materials and Methods

 In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, medical and nursing students were selected by the census method. The questionnaire including demographic questions (13 items) and knowledge questions (39 items) about the procedures before, during, and after blood transfusion and the relevant complications and risks was prepared for the participants to fill out. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software 16 at the significant level p< 0.05.

 Results

 The mean score of the students' knowledge of blood transfusion was 13.9 ± 5.74 (of the total 39 points) that is, the majority of them had low knowledge of blood transfusion. No statistically significant relationship was found between demographic variables and the students' knowledge about blood transfusion.

 Conclusions

 The knowledge level of the students about blood transfusion is much lower than expected. So, it is a necessity for students to receive education about blood transfusion in blood transfusion centers.