Blood Transfusion

Question 1

What is blood transfusion?

Answer 1

Where one or more components of the blood has to be replaced quickly:

• Red cells, platelets
• Clotting factors

Question 2

What are some indications a blood transfusion is required?

Answer 2

• Blood Loss

- Specific production problems (RBC, platelets, plasma proteins - clotting factors, albumin, etc)

Question 3

What is required before a patient can have a blood transfusion?

Answer 3

Patients sample blood is taken and tested for ABO blood group compatibility, Rhesus (+/-) compatibility

Question 4

What are some blood transfusion complications?

Answer 4

• Incompatible blood (RBC lysis - fever, jaundice, death!!)
• Fluid overload (heart failure)
• Transmission of infection (BBV - Hep B&C, HIV)