A procedure in which blood given by another person or taken from the patient at an earlier stage is transferred into the patient’s vein.
The introduction of large quantities of blood or blood components (such as red blood cells) into a patient’s body to replace blood lost or weakened through injury, surgery, or disease. Blood is stored in blood banks by ABO type and Rh factor and is used only for people whose blood type is compatible. Even so, except in emergency situations, blood for transfusions is generally tested against a sample of the patient’s blood to be sure no compatibility problems exist. People with blood type O, Rh factor negative are called universal donors, because their blood can be used in emergencies for most other people with little risk of incompatibility; otherwise solutions without blood cells might be used. If blood is incompatible, donor cells may self- destruct by bursting (hemolysis), leading to possibly severe reactions, such as shock or kidney failure.
Administration of whole blood or its components to replace blood lost through surgery, disease, or injury. Blood typing is the first step to ensure that donor and recipient’s blood match in the transfusion of whole blood.
The infusion of whole blood or its components directly into the bloodstream to replace blood loss from surgery, injury, or disease. A blood transfusion may also be needed to improve clotting or to enhance the body’s ability to transport oxygen to tissues. In a transfusion, a nurse administers the blood intravenously. Before it is transfused, donor blood is carefully screened to make certain it is free from infectious disease organisms and is compatible with the recipient’s blood. Incompatibility can provoke serious transfusion reactions such as chills, fever, hives, wheezing, shock, and kidney failure. In autologous transfusion, a person donates blood in advance for his or her own use. In directed donation, family and friends donate the blood for a person’s transfusion.
The replacement of blood or one of its components. Effective and safe transfusion therapy requires a thorough understanding of the clinical condition being treated. Most patients require blood components rather than whole blood. Administering a specific component decreases the risk of adverse reactions from unnecessary components.
The replacement of blood or one of its components. Effective and safe transfusion therapy requires a thorough understanding of the clinical condition being treated. Most patients require blood components rather than whole blood.
The procedure in which blood is taken from one person and then transferred to someone else’s bloodstream.
The process of infusing substantial amounts of blood or blood products directly into the bloodstream is known as blood transfusion. This procedure is employed to address severe blood loss or to correct chronic anaemia. In an exchange blood transfusion, the majority of the recipient’s blood is replaced with donor blood, allowing for a comprehensive replacement of the circulating blood volume.
Prior to a blood transfusion, a blood sample is obtained from the recipient to determine their blood group. This information is then used to match the recipient with suitable donor blood. The donor blood is administered into a vein in the recipient’s arm through a plastic cannula, which is a tube with a smooth tip. Typically, each unit of blood, approximately 500 ml, is transfused over a period of one to four hours. In emergency situations, 500 ml of blood may be rapidly administered within a few minutes. Throughout the procedure, the patient’s blood pressure, body temperature, and pulse are carefully monitored to ensure their well-being and safety.
If there is an accidental introduction of mismatched blood into the recipient’s circulation, antibodies present in the recipient’s blood can cause the donor cells to rupture, potentially resulting in severe complications such as shock or kidney failure. In less severe cases, reactions may manifest as fever, chills, or a rash. Additionally, transfusion reactions can occur due to an allergic response to a specific component within the transfused blood. It is essential to adhere to proper blood matching procedures and closely monitor recipients to mitigate the risk of adverse reactions during blood transfusion.
The risk of infection associated with blood transfusion is exceedingly low. Rigorous screening protocols are in place to ensure that all blood intended for transfusion is thoroughly tested for various infectious agents, including HIV (the AIDS virus), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. These precautionary measures are implemented to safeguard the health and well-being of transfusion recipients and minimize the risk of transmitting infectious diseases through blood transfusion.
In elderly individuals or severely anaemic patients, blood transfusion carries the risk of circulatory overload, potentially leading to heart failure. Patients with chronic anaemia who require regular transfusions over an extended period of time may accumulate excessive iron in their bodies, a condition known as haemosiderosis. This iron overload can result in organ damage, including the heart, liver, and pancreas. Treatment with the medication desferrioxamine may be necessary to remove excess iron and mitigate the potential harm to organs. Regular monitoring and appropriate management strategies are vital for the well-being of patients requiring long-term transfusions.