A blood transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood products from one person (donor) into another person's blood stream (recipient).
This is usually done as a life saving maneuver to replace blood cells or blood products lost through severe bleeding, during surgery when blood loss occurs or to increase the blood count in an anemic patient.
Blood transfusion is a medical treatment that replaces blood lost through a tube from a bag to an intravenous (iv)catheter and into your vein.
You may need a blood transfusion if you lose too much blood, such as through :
Injury or major surgery.
An illness that causes bleeding,such as a bleeding ulcer.
An illness that destroys blood cells, such as hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia, if you have an illness in which your bone marrow doesn't make enough blood, such as a plastic anemia, you may need transfusion.
Blood transfusion are fairly common procedures that save and enhance life. The risks of serious side effects are low as the blood is thoroughly tested and matched for compatibility.
Some disease are caused by excessive numbers of cells in the blood. Therapeutic apheresis temporarily takes blood from a patient, removes unwanted component, then returns the treated blood to the body.
You are encouraged to discuss your particular need for transfusion as well as the risk of transfusion with your doctor.
