Blood transfusions are used to replace lost blood during surgery or accidents. Hospitals rely on blood donors for supply. Anemia sufferers may need regular transfusions. Blood is matched before transfusion and stored in plastic bags. Complications include headaches and rashes.
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which blood is drawn from one person and given to another person. There are many reasons for having a blood transfusion. Blood may be requested during surgical operations. Accident victims may need blood to replace blood that has been lost.
Hospitals rely on blood donors for the majority of their blood supply. If only a small amount of blood has been lost, saline solution may be used instead. In case of a large amount of blood loss, a blood transfusion is required.
The danger of losing large amounts of blood is that vital oxygen carried through the blood to the organs is lost. Those suffering from anemia may also need regular blood transfusions. People with anemia cannot produce their own blood and require blood from donors.
The most common way to receive a blood transfusion is through a tube inserted into your arm. This tube or cannula is connected to an IV. During the blood transfusion, blood will flow from the IV through the tube and into the patient’s arm.
People who need frequent transfusions can receive blood through a tube inserted into the chest. This procedure is called a central line blood transfusion. If frequent transfusions are given through the arm, irritation of the veins can lead to blood clots.
During an operation, a patient’s blood may be used for a transfusion. This is called an autologous transfusion. Your own blood will be drawn during the operation and returned to you immediately.
You can also donate blood in the weeks before an operation if you are well enough. Many people choose this option if it is available out of fear of an infection from donated blood. Although the risk of infection is very low, autologous transfusions are useful if the patient has a very rare blood type.
A match between blood donor and recipient is very important in a blood transfusion. Before a transfusion, tests for blood compatibility should be conducted. This procedure is called cross-matching.
Blood used in transfusions is stored in plastic bags. Each bag usually contains a pint of blood or half a pint. Blood is expensive to store. If the surgery has to be canceled for any reason, the blood that was meant to be used will be destroyed.
Following a blood transfusion, some complications can occur. Side effects can include headaches and rashes. There may also be an increase in body temperature. These symptoms can usually be relieved with medication.
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