Overview
A blood transfusion is a common procedure for receiving donated blood or components of blood. The blood is delivered through a narrow tube placed within a vein.
A blood transfusion replaces blood lost from an injury or during a surgery. A transfusion also may be used when certain components of blood are low or not working.
Blood transfusions usually have few complications. When complications do occur, they're typically mild.
Why it's done
Transfusions of whole blood are generally for emergencies when too much blood is lost from an injury or during a surgery.
Transfusions also are a treatment when a certain component of blood, called a blood product, needs to be replaced. Transfused blood products include the following.
- Red blood cells carry oxygen and help remove waste products.
- White blood cells help the body fight disease.
- Plasma is the liquid part of blood. It contains various things that help blood clot to stop bleeding.
- Cryoprecipitate is a group of plasma proteins that help blood clot.
- Platelets are cell fragments in plasma that help blood clot.
Reasons for a transfusion of a blood product include:
- Diseases that limit the making of blood products or destroy them.
- Diseases that result in irregular blood products.
- Medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, that may limit the making of blood products.
Risks
Guidelines for donors and blood screening make viral infection, such as HIV and hepatitis, from a blood transfusion extremely rare. Guidelines also ensure that the donated blood is a good match for the recipient. In general, careful selection and handling of blood products reduces risks.
Common reactions
Common reactions include fever and mild allergic reactions that can be treated with medicines. These may include:
- Mild fever.
- Chills or shivering.
- Headache.
- Hives or itching.
Circulatory overload
A less common but more serious reaction is called transfusion-associated circulatory overload. This causes fluids to build up in the lungs and makes breathing difficult.
The risk of this reaction is higher if a large amount of blood product is transfused in a short amount of time. And it's more common in people with diseases of the heart, blood vessels or kidneys.
The reaction is treated by slowing the rate of transfusion. Also, medicines that increase urination are used to lower body fluids.
How you prepare
Tell your healthcare professional if you've ever received a card or letter indicating that you have a red blood cell antibody. Also, tell your care professional if you have ever had a reaction to a blood transfusion in the past.
Your blood will be tested before a transfusion to learn whether your blood type is A, B, AB or O. The test also shows whether your blood is Rh positive or Rh negative. The donated blood used for your transfusion is a blood type that can be safely paired with your blood type.
What you can expect
Blood transfusions are usually done in a hospital or an outpatient clinic. The procedure typically takes 1 to 4 hours.
Before the procedure
A healthcare professional will check your temperature, heart rate and blood pressure before the procedure. There also will be safety checks to make sure you are getting the correct donor blood.
During the procedure
An intravenous (IV) line with a needle is inserted into one of your blood vessels. The donated blood that's been stored in a plastic bag enters your bloodstream through the IV. You'll be seated or lying down for the procedure.
A nurse will monitor you during the procedure and take measures of your blood pressure, temperature and heart rate. Tell the nurse immediately if you develop any changes, including:
- Fever or chills.
- Headache.
- Shortness of breath.
- A new cough.
- Swelling.
- Itching.
- Chest or back pain.
After the procedure
The needle and IV line will be removed. You might develop a bruise around the needle site, but this should go away in a few days.
Contact your healthcare professional if you develop shortness of breath, chest or back pain, or other symptoms in the days immediately following a blood transfusion.
Results
Your healthcare team will schedule follow-up appointments to test the treatment effect of the blood transfusion. These tests vary depending on the condition being treated.
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