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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.
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