Blood Transfusion

  • Blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which donated blood or blood products are transferred into a person’s bloodstream.
  • Blood transfusions are typically needed in situations of significant blood loss, such as trauma, surgery, or severe anaemia.
  • It’s essential to match the recipient’s blood type in a blood transfusion. The four main blood types are A, B, AB, and O, each of which can be positive or negative based on the presence of the Rhesus factor.
  • Receiving blood from the wrong blood group can lead to a potentially fatal adverse reaction known as a transfusion reaction. This happens because antibodies in the recipient’s blood attack the incoming blood cells.
  • Blood is rigorously screened for diseases before it is used in a transfusion. Tests are carried out for diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and Syphilis, among others.
  • All donations are separated into different components – red cells, platelets and plasma – so they can be used specifically based on the need of the patient.
  • Consent must always be taken before starting a blood transfusion. Risks and benefits should be discussed with the patient or their legal representative.
  • Transfusion reactions can occur with blood transfusions. These can be immediate or delayed, and some of these include fever, chills, hives, difficulty breathing, and hemolytic reaction.
  • Blood alternatives, like recombinant erythropoietin or synthetic packed red cells, are being developed due to growing concerns about the risks associated with blood transfusions and the limited supply of donated blood.
  • There are strict storage conditions for blood and its components. Red blood cells, for example, can be stored for up to 42 days at 1-6 degrees Celsius, while fresh frozen plasma can be stored for up to one year at a much colder temperature.
  • Any suspicions of a transfusion reaction must lead to the immediate stopping of the transfusion. Following this, the blood sample is retested against the donor unit and the patient’s symptoms are treated.
  • Hospitals use a system known as the blood bank to manage and store donated blood for transfusions. This system ensures that the blood is safe to use and is properly matched to the recipient.