Blood transfusion how long in hospital

If it's possible that you'll need a transfusion for example, if you're due to have surgery or you have anaemia , you may sometimes be given medicine to:. This is a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of a serious condition called variant CJD vCJD being passed on by donors. Page last reviewed: 18 January Next review due: 18 January Blood transfusion. Why it's done A blood transfusion may be needed if you have a shortage of red blood cells.

For example, you may need a blood transfusion if you have: a condition that affects the way your red blood cells work — such as sickle cell disease or thalassaemia a type of cancer or cancer treatment that can affect blood cells — including leukaemia, chemotherapy or stem cell transplants severe bleeding — usually from surgery, childbirth or a serious accident A blood transfusion can replace blood you have lost, or just replace the liquid or cells found in blood such as red blood cells, plasma or cells called platelets.

Ask your doctor or nurse why they think you might need a transfusion if you're not sure. What happens Before having a blood transfusion, the procedure will be explained to you and you'll be asked to sign a consent form. You'll only be given blood that's safe for someone with your blood group. During a blood transfusion: You sit or lie down in a chair or bed. Surgeries and Procedures: Blood Transfusion. Reviewed by: Kate M.

Cronan, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. What Is a Blood Transfusion? What Is Blood Made of? Blood is a mixture of cells and liquid, and each part has a specific job: Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body's tissues and remove carbon dioxide. These cells are the ones that are most commonly transfused. White blood cells help the body fight infection by making antibodies, proteins that help destroy germs in the body.

Platelets , the smallest blood cells, help to clot the blood and control bleeding. Plasma , the pale yellow liquid part of whole blood, is a mixture of water, proteins, electrolytes, carbohydrates, cholesterol, hormones, and vitamins. Why Does a Person Need a Transfusion? The main reasons why a child may need a blood transfusion are: Loss of blood during surgery or from an injury or an illness.

Too little blood is being made. Some illnesses and treatments can prevent the bone marrow from making blood for example, chemotherapy decreases production of new blood cells. To prevent complications from a blood or bleeding disorder, such as sickle cell disease , thalassemia, or anemia caused by kidney disease, hemophilia , or von Willebrand disease.

The three types of blood donation are: Autologous ah-TOL-uh-gus blood donation. Your feedback will help us improve the information we provide to patients and caregivers. We read every comment, but we're not able to respond.

If you have questions about your care, contact your healthcare provider. For more resources, visit www. Back to top About Blood Blood is made up of plasma, red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells. Plasma is the liquid part of blood. It holds your blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body. You may need a transfusion of red blood cells if you have a low red blood cell count anemia.

This can help relieve dizziness, shortness of breath, or fatigue feeling more tired or having less energy than usual. Platelets help form clots and stop bleeding. You may need a platelet transfusion if you have a low platelet count thrombocytopenia. This can help stop bleeding or keep you from bleeding too much during a surgery or procedure.

White blood cells fight infection. More common reactions include allergic reactions, which might cause hives and itching, and fever.

Blood banks screen donors and test donated blood to reduce the risk of transfusion-related infections, so infections, such as HIV or hepatitis B or C, are extremely rare.

Your blood will be tested before a transfusion to determine whether your blood type is A, B, AB or O and whether your blood is Rh positive or Rh negative. The donated blood used for your transfusion must be compatible with your blood type.

Blood transfusions are usually done in a hospital, an outpatient clinic or a doctor's office. The procedure typically takes one to four hours, depending on which parts of the blood you receive and how much blood you need. In some cases, you can donate blood for yourself before elective surgery, but most transfusions involve blood donated by strangers. An identification check will ensure you receive the correct blood.

An intravenous IV line with a needle is inserted into one of your blood vessels. The donated blood that's been stored in a plastic bag enters your bloodstream through the IV. You'll be seated or lying down for the procedure, which usually takes one to four hours. A nurse will monitor you throughout the procedure and take measures of your blood pressure, temperature and heart rate.