A blood transfusion is typically an easy procedure in which an individual receives blood through an intravenous line or an IV.
What is it?
A blood transfusion is a routine procedure that can be used in the event of excessive blood loss or disease. During a blood transfusion, donor blood is added to the blood already in the body. It typically takes 1-4 hours. There are several reasons a one might need a transfusion, including blood loss, disease, or low blood count.
What should I do to prepare?
Before a transfusion, an individual’s blood will be tested to determine the blood type. Blood can be type A, B, AB or O and has a positive or negative rhesus factor associated with it. Pending results of the blood typing test, blood that can be accepted by the individual without clotting is selected for the transfusion.
What happens during the process?
An intravenous line (IV) is inserted in the arm of an individual. Donor blood is given to the person through this IV. Patients can receive whole blood, containing plasma and platelets, or they can receive specific components of blood through this method. The process can take a few hours. However, it is expedited in the event of trauma or excessive blood loss.
What are the risks and potential complications?
Blood transfusions can pose a few risks and complications including allergic reaction to the transfusion (hives and itching), low blood pressure, and nausea.
Disclaimer:
All GlobeHealer Site content, including graphics, images, logos, and text, among other materials on the site are for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and you should always contact your physician or qualified health provider for information regarding your health. Information on this site regarding the overview, diagnosis, and treatment of any kind should be looked at, in addition to the advice and information of your health care professional. Do not disregard medical advice or delay seeking treatment or medical advice due to information found on the GlobeHealer site.
If there is even the possibility that you may have a medical emergency, seek treatment, call your doctor, or call your local emergency telephone number immediately. GlobeHealer does not endorse being the first line of communication in case of emergency and does not endorse any specific test, physician, facility, product, procedure, opinion, or other information that is or may be mentioned on this site or affiliated entities. Reliance of any and all information provided by GlobeHealer, its employees, affiliations, others appearing on the Site under the invitation of GlobeHealer, or visitors of the site is solely at your own risk and is not the responsibility of GlobeHealer.
Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:US_Navy_060505-N-2832L-050_Hospital_Corpsman_Megan_Beach,_checks_the_flow_of_blood_through_a_cell_saver,_during_training_for_an_antilogous_blood_transfusion.jpg