5. Blood Transfusion

Question 1

Red Cell Concentrate

Answer 1

used to replace lost red cells

aim to improve oxygen delivery to tissues

Question 2

Fresh Frozen Plasma

Answer 2

provides coagulation factors

dose 10 - 15 ml/kg

Question 3

Cryoprecipitate

Answer 3

dose 5 - 10 ml/kg

indications: bleeding associated with fibrinogen <0.8

Question 4

Group O

Answer 4

can donate to ALL

can only receive O

Question 5

Group A

Answer 5

can donate to A and AB

can receive A and O

Question 6

Group B

Answer 6

can donate to B and AB

can receive B and O

Question 7

Group AB

Answer 7

can ONLY donate to AB

can receive from ALL

Question 8

Rhesus

Answer 8

RH-positive patients can receive any Rh type blood

RH-negative patients can make anti-D if they are exposed to RH positive cells through transfusion or pregnancy

Question 9

Complications of blood transfusions

Answer 9

Acute transfusion reactions

Delayed transfusion reactions

Development of new antibodies

Volume Overload

Allergic response

Iron overload

Infection

Question 10

Acute Transfusion Reactions

Answer 10

occur at the time of transfusion

IgM antibodies already present bind with antigen

direct complement activation

cell lysis

Question 11

Delayed Transfusion Reactions

Answer 11

occur after the transfusion

Due to development of IgG antibodies

rising IgG titres = haemolysis of red cells (usually day 10)

Question 12

Transfusion Times

Answer 12

Red Cells Maximum transfusion time = 4 hours

Out of fridge time = 4 hours

FFP, Platelets & Cryoprecipitate = 30 mins

Do not refrigerate