A blood transfusion is a medical procedure where blood or its components are transferred from a donor to a recipient's circulatory system.
This is crucial in treating various conditions, such as blood loss, anaemia, clotting disorders, and diseases affecting blood cell production.
Types of Blood Transfusions
1. Whole Blood Transfusion:
Transfers all blood components but is less common today as component-specific transfusions are safer and more efficient.
2. Red Blood Cell (RBC) Transfusion:
Concentrated red blood cells are used to address anaemia, significant blood loss, or hemoglobinopathies.
3. Platelet Transfusion:
Essential for blood clotting, used in treating low platelet counts due to conditions like leukemia or chemotherapy.
4. Plasma Transfusion:
The liquid part of the blood containing essential proteins and clotting factors, used in treating clotting disorders or restoring blood volume.
5. Cryoprecipitate Transfusion:
A concentrated plasma product containing specific clotting factors, used in treating bleeding disorders or clotting factor deficiencies.
Compatibility and Safety
Compatibility Testing: Involves blood typing and crossmatch tests to ensure donor blood matches the recipient's, reducing the risk of adverse reactions.
Transfusion Reactions: Can range from mild (fever, hives) to severe (anaphylaxis, TRALI). Meticulous testing and protocols minimize these risks.
Significance of Transfusion
1. Replacement of Blood Loss:
Essential in surgeries, trauma, or severe injury to maintain blood volume and prevent shock or organ failure.
2. Treatment of Anemia:
Transfusions of RBCs treat anemia caused by chronic disease, blood loss, or bone marrow failure.
3. Hemostatic Support:
Platelet or plasma transfusions help control or prevent bleeding in patients with clotting disorders.
4. Immune System Support:
Immunoglobulin or white blood cell transfusions support patients with immune deficiencies or infections.
5. Correction of Blood Component Imbalances:
Transfusions correct imbalances in blood components like plasma or electrolytes in conditions like liver disease or severe burns.
6. Exchange Transfusion:
Involves removing and replacing a patient’s blood with donor blood, used in cases like severe hemolytic disease of the newborn or poisoning.