Why is this procedure done?
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Sometimes, you lose blood. This might be due to an injury, accident, or surgery. This means parts of your body may not get as much oxygen as it needs. You might have an illness that causes problems with your blood cells or your body is not able to make blood properly. If you do not have enough blood cells, you will need to have them replaced. ‚
Blood is made up of different parts, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. Sometimes a blood transfusion is given whole, with all the parts, but more often as individual parts. ‚
What will the results be?
After a transfusion, your body will work better. Good, healthy blood cells will replace lost or damaged ones. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
A small amount of blood will be taken from you. This will be tested for your blood type and your Rh factor. Next, the blood from the donor is tested to see if it matches your blood type. Blood used for a transfusion must be your type or your blood will attack the new blood and make you sick. ‚
Blood used for blood transfusions is collected, tested, and stored in a blood bank. The blood bank screens all blood donors and the donated blood. It may be possible to use your own blood if you know you will need blood in advance or it may be possible to collect and reuse your own blood during surgery. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
You will need a small tube called an I.V. It is placed in a vein in your arm or hand. The blood is given to you through this line. This may take 1 to 4 hours, depending on how much blood you need. You will be awake during the procedure. The staff will closely watch you while you get the blood. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
The I.V. line will be taken out. You may feel soreness or have some bruising at the I.V. site for a few days. You may go home after the procedure. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You may be able to go back to your normal activities after the procedure. Ask your doctor what level of activity is right for you. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
Risks of a blood transfusion are rare. They can include: ‚
- Allergic reactions
- Viral infections including HIV or hepatitis
- A reaction to the new blood that can cause your regular blood cells or body tissue to break down
- Lung injury
- High iron levels
- Low calcium levels
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Trouble breathing or start having chest or back pain
- Headache or dizziness
- Feel sick to your stomach or loose stools
- Urine becomes dark in color
Where can I learn more?
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society ‚
http://www.lls.org/content/nationalcontent/resourcecenter/freeeducationmaterials/treatments/pdf/bloodtransfusion.pdf ‚
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/bt/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚