Blood Transfusion
A blood transfusion is a procedure in which blood is administered to an individual through an intravenous (IV) line in one of the blood vessels. It is a common procedure that is often used to replace blood that may have been lost during surgery or from a serious injury. It may also be performed if the body can't produce blood properly because of an illness. In most cases, a blood transfusion uses blood that has been donated from another person. In some cases, the transfusion may performed with blood from the patient that has been donated ahead of time before an elective surgery. Blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Blood is transfused either as whole blood or in some cases, depending on the reason for the transfusion, as individual parts.
Reasons for a Blood Transfusion
A blood transfusion may be performed during surgery because patients may lose blood during the surgical procedure. After a serious injury, for example, from a car accident or other form of trauma to the body, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace blood lost from the injury. People with the following medical conditions may require a blood transfusion:
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Cancer
- Liver failure
- Certain infections
- Severe burns
- Bleeding disorders
- Illnesses that cause anemia
People with blood diseases may receive transfusions of red blood cells, platelets or clotting factors.
Preparing for a Blood Transfusion
Before undergoing a blood transfusion, the patient's blood will be tested to determine their blood type. This ensures that the blood they receive is compatible to their blood type. Some patients may be prescribed a medication that lowers the risk of allergic reactions to the donated blood. Otherwise, no changes to diet or activity are necessary.
The Blood Transfusion Procedure
A blood transfusion is performed either in a hospital, outpatient clinic or a doctor's office. An IV line with a needle is inserted into one of the blood vessels. The donated blood is transferred through the IV line into the patient's blood stream. After the transfusion, the needle and IV line are removed and vital signs are monitored. Bruising may occur at the site of the IV, but normally goes away within a few days. A blood transfusion usually takes from 1 to 4 hours to complete.
Risks of a Blood Transfusion
Blood transfusions are generally considered a safe procedure, however, there are risks which may include:
- Allergic reaction to the transfused blood
- Lung injury
- Excessive iron in the bloodstream
- Infection
- Fever
- Immune reaction
Complications may occur during the transfusion or weeks, months or even years later. A blood transfusion may also cause a very rare reaction known as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). This is a serious and usually fatal condition in which white blood cells in the new blood attack the recipient's bone marrow and tissue. People who have severely weakened immune systems are most likely to get GVHD.