Blood transfusion why

For example, after surgery you may need just RBCs. You might need plasma if you have a severe infection. A person being treated for cancer may need platelets. Your healthcare provider can tell you why you need a blood transfusion, and which type is best for you. An allergic reaction. This can be mild or severe. Mild symptoms can include itching or rash. Severe symptoms can include trouble breathing, chest pain, or nausea. These symptoms may start soon after your blood transfusion or within the next 24 hours.

This can happen within a day of the blood transfusion. Destruction of red blood cells by the body hemolytic reaction. A hemolytic reaction happens when your body attacks the donated RBCs. Donated blood goes through a very careful matching process, so this reaction is very rare. If it does happen, it can cause chills, fever, kidney damage, and other serious symptoms.

Symptoms can happen during the blood transfusion or in the next several hours. A delayed hemolytic reaction can also happen. This can happen even if you got the right blood type. This may take days or weeks to happen. It may not cause any symptoms, but it can cause your RBC count to be lower. Too much blood in the body transfusion overload.

Transfusion overload may happen if a person gets more blood than needed. It can cause shortness of breath and other symptoms. The symptoms usually happen within a few hours to a day. Taking diuretic medicine after a blood transfusion may prevent this problem. Too much iron in the body iron overload.

Blood and blood vessels. Home Blood and blood vessels. Blood transfusion. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. About blood transfusions Blood carries oxygen and nutrients When blood transfusion is needed Different types of blood collection Transfusion adverse events Donating blood Where to get help.

About blood transfusions If someone has experienced substantial bleeding during surgery or because of an accident, their blood volume may be too low to effectively carry oxygen around their body. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients All cells in the body need oxygen and nutrients, and to have their waste taken away.

Blood consists of: red blood cells - to carry oxygen white blood cells - that make up part of the immune system platelets - needed for clotting plasma - liquid in which blood cells, nutrients and wastes float. Blood loss - when it is severe enough to affect blood volume and circulation, such as through surgery or an accident. Bleeding disorders - that can prevent the blood from clotting or lead to spontaneous bleeding.

Pregnancy and childbirth - to combat anaemia or bleeding, or to prevent haemolytic disease of the newborn and immune platelet disorders. Autoimmune disorders - patients with immune disorders can rely on blood products made from plasma to live normal healthy lives. Different types of blood collection The main ways in which blood is collected include: Whole blood homologous collection - whole blood is collected from the donor, separated into different components and the necessary components are given as a transfusion to people with compatible blood types.

Apheresis collection - only some components, either plasma or platelets, are taken from the blood of the donor. A machine separates the cells and gives the red blood cells, or red blood cells and plasma, back to the donor. Other less common ways in which blood is collected include: Autologous collection - before a scheduled operation or transfusion, a person donates blood specifically for their own use. Blood transfusions replace blood that is lost through surgery or injury or provide it if your body is not making blood properly.

You may need a blood transfusion if you have anemia , sickle cell disease , a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, or cancer. For people in critical condition, blood transfusions can be lifesaving. Four types of blood products may be given through blood transfusions: whole blood, red blood cells , platelets , and plasma. Most of the blood used for transfusions comes from whole blood donations given by volunteer blood donors. A person can also have his or her own blood collected and stored a few weeks before surgery in case it is needed.

After a doctor determines that you need a blood transfusion, he or she will test your blood to make sure that the blood you are given matches your blood type. A small needle is used to insert an IV line in one of your blood vessels. Through this line, you receive healthy blood.

Blood transfusions usually take 1 to 4 hours to complete. You will be monitored during and after the procedure. Blood transfusions are usually very safe, because donated blood is carefully tested, handled, and stored.

However, there is a small chance that your body may have a mild to severe reaction to the donor blood. Some people have health problems from getting too much iron from frequent transfusions.

There is also a very small chance of getting an infectious disease such as hepatitis B or C or HIV through a blood transfusion. For HIV, that risk is less than one in 1 million.

Scientific research and careful medical controls make the supply of donated blood very safe. Blood transfusions are among the most common medical procedures in the nation. We are committed to advancing science and translating discoveries into clinical practice to promote the prevention and treatment of heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders including the improvement of blood transfusion.

Learn about current and future NHLBI efforts to improve health through research and scientific discovery. Learn about the following ways the NHLBI continues to translate current research into improved health for people who give the gift of life, and for people across the lifespan who need a blood transfusion.

In support of our mission , we are committed to advancing blood transfusion research in part through the following ways. We lead or sponsor many studies on blood transfusion. There may be a very small risk of a delayed reaction to the transfusion. Although this does not typically cause problems, a person should consult a doctor if they feel unwell and have unexpected symptoms, such as nausea, swelling, jaundice , or an itchy rash. It is important to let a doctor know about any symptoms that might signal a reaction, such as nausea or difficulty breathing.

Blood transfusions are very safe. Strict procedures exist to ensure that the testing, handling, and storage of donated blood is as safe as possible.

Such reactions can be either mild or severe. Some reactions occur immediately, while others can take several days to appear. Examples include:. Allergic reactions are common. A person may experience a fever following a blood transfusion. Although this is not serious, if they also experience chest pain or nausea, they should let a doctor know as soon as possible.

This can occur when the blood types are not compatible, causing the immune system to attack the new blood cells. This is a serious reaction, but it is very rare. In very rare cases, donated blood can contain bacteria, viruses, or parasites that may cause infections such as HIV or hepatitis B or C. However, according to the CDC, experts test every blood donation for these contaminants. It is therefore very rare for a person to contract an infection from a blood transfusion.

In fact, according to the American Red Cross , the chance of a person contracting hepatitis B is 1 in ,, and the likelihood of contracting hepatitis C is 1 in 1. The chances of getting HIV from a blood transfusion in the United States is less than 1 in 1 million.

A blood transfusion is a safe procedure that replaces blood lost to injury or surgery.