Blood Transfusion
Not yet clinically reviewed
This protocol was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia and Ward Guide apps for educational use. Follow your hospital's own policies and consult seniors when in doubt.
A blood transfusion is a routine medical procedure in which donated blood is provided through a narrow tube placed within a vein in arm. This potentially life-saving procedure can help replace blood lost due to surgery or injury.
Need of transfusion
People receive blood transfusions for many reasons such as surgery, injury, disease and bleeding disorders.Blood has several components, including:
- Red cells carry oxygen and help remove waste products
- White cells help your body fight infections
- Plasma is the liquid part of your blood
- Platelets help your blood clot properly
Transfusion reactions
More common reactions include allergic reactions, which might cause hives and itching, fever and blood borne infections. Some reactions resolve with little or no treatment. However, respiratory distress, high fever, hypotension (low blood pressure), and red urine (hemoglobinuria) can indicate a more serious reaction
How to prepare
Blood will be tested before a transfusion to determine whether blood type is A, B, AB or O and whether blood is Rh positive or Rh negative. The donated blood used for transfusion must be compatible with your blood type.
How much blood is transfused
- one unit of blood is enough
- massive transfusion is classified as more than 4 units of packed red blood cells in an hour, or more than 10 units of packed red cells in 24 hours.