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Blood Transfusion: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Last Updated: Jul 04, 2023

What is a Blood Transfusion?

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A blood transfusion is a procedure in which donated blood or certain components of the blood are put into another person's body.It helps replenish the supply of red cells, white cells, platelets, and other important components of the blood.

What are the types of Blood Transfusions?

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There are two main types of transfusions:

  • Whole blood transfusion :Whole blood transfusions involve giving a person all components of donated blood
  • Component transfusion: component transfusions involve giving only one or two specific components such as red cells, white cells, platelets, plasma, or clotting factors.

Benefits of Blood Transfusion

  • Blood transfusions can help improve oxygen levels in the body and reduce symptoms associated with anaemia (low red cell count) or low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
  • They can also help increase haemoglobin levels for individuals with severe bleeding as well as replace lost fluids due to dehydration.
  • It can be used to treat conditions such as sickle cell disease and thalassemia.

Why is Blood transfusion done?

  • Blood transfusions are typically performed when an individual’s own body is not producing enough healthy red cells or platelets to support their health.
  • It may also be used if someone has lost a large amount of blood due to an accident or surgery.
  • In some cases it may be used to treat certain medical conditions like anaemia or thalassemia where regular infusions may be required for proper treatment.

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What are the risks of blood transfusion?

  • The risks associated with a blood transfusion include infection (such as HIV/AIDS), allergic reaction or reaction to incompatible donor type (ABO incompatibility), and organ damage from too much iron buildup in organs due to multiple transfusions over time.
  • Additionally there is a risk that the donor's immune system will attack the recipient’s body which could cause serious complications such as heart failure or stroke.

How to prepare for a Blood Transfusion?

  • Prior to receiving a blood transfusion you should discuss your medical history with your doctor including any allergies you have and any medications you take regularly so they can ensure compatibility between donor type and recipient type before beginning treatment.
  • Additionally you should make sure you have someone present who can drive you home afterwards since most individuals feel very weak afterwards due to loss of fluids during the treatment process.
  • Lastly, make sure that all necessary paperwork has been completed prior to your appointment so that everything runs smoothly when it comes time for your procedure.

How Blood Transfusion is done?

The procedure involves drawing some of your own sample so that doctors can determine your ABO group type before beginning treatment (this will ensure compatibility between donor type and recipient type).

Then they will draw some sample from the donor's arm before beginning the treatment process which includes connecting tubing between donor’s arm and recipient’s arm using sterile technique followed by slow infusion into recipient’s veins over a period up to 4 hours depending on amount needed for replacement therapy.

Lastly doctor may order post-transfusion workup which includes checking vital signs at regular intervals afterwards along with any laboratory tests ordered by doctor if indicated by patient history/condition being treated at time of procedure

Steps to perform before a Blood Transfusion

  • Draw samples from both donor & recipient arms prior to the beginning infusion process itself.
  • Connect tubing using sterile technique between arms.
  • Slow infusion over a period up to 4 hours depending on the amount needed for replacement therapy.
  • Post-transfusion workup including checking vitals & ordering lab tests if indicated by patient history/condition being treated at time.

Steps to perform during a Blood Transfusion

  • Monitor every 15-30 minutes throughout the infusion process.
  • Keep track volume infused remaining until the end.
  • Monitor patients closely w/stethoscope during the entire process.

Steps to perform after a Blood Transfusion

  • Discontinue tubing when completed & remove from arms carefully.
  • Dispose material properly according w/hospital protocol guidelines.
  • Check vitals again post-procedure & order lab tests if indicated by patient history/condition being treated at time.
  • Consult a doctor about any symptoms experienced after completion.

How much does Blood Transfusion cost in India?

The cost in India varies depending on what hospital you go too but generally it ranges anywhere from 1000 INR - 10000 INR depending on complexity involved with particular cases being treated at time .

What to eat after Blood transfusion ?

  • Drink plenty of fluids: Water, fruit juices, sports drinks, and other clear liquids are best. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Eat light meals: Choose foods that are easy to digest such as toast, crackers, soups, oatmeal, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes.
  • Eat iron-rich foods: Eating iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, dark leafy greens (spinach), beans and legumes (lentils), nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds), dried fruits (raisins), eggs (egg yolks) can help replenish your iron levels after a blood transfusion.

Is Blood Transfusion Safe ?

Yes, blood transfusion is generally safe when performed by a trained healthcare professional.

To reduce the risk of complications, healthcare providers must carefully screen donors for any potential health issues and match the donor's blood type with that of the recipient.

Is Blood Transfusion Painful ?

No, blood transfusions are not painful. The procedure is usually done with a needle, but the patient may not even feel it.

Most patients report feeling very little discomfort during the procedure.

How long does it take to recover from Blood transfusion?

  • It usually takes about 1 to 4 hours for a person to recover from a blood transfusion, depending on the amount of blood transfused and the individual's health.
  • Recovery time can vary due to other factors such as age, underlying medical conditions, and any complications that may have arisen during the transfusion.
  • After the procedure, patients are typically monitored for at least an hour or two before they are allowed to leave.

What are the side effects of blood transfusion ?

Commonly reported side effects include :

  • dizziness fatigue nausea vomiting fever chills difficulty breathing chest tightness rash itching swelling site injection bruising general malaise feeling unwell etc.
  • However more serious side effects possibly less commonly reported require immediate medical attention particularly those involving chest tightness, difficulty breathing confusion etc.

Blood Transfusion Aftercare

After receiving a blood transfusion, it is important to take certain steps to ensure proper aftercare.

  • Monitor your vital signs: After receiving a blood transfusion, it is important to monitor your vital signs for any changes in temperature, heart rate, or respiration. If any of these signs change drastically or if you experience any pain or discomfort, contact your doctor immediately.
  • Stay hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated after a transfusion as the body needs fluids to help process the new blood cells and replace lost fluids from the procedure itself.
  • Watch for signs of infection: It is possible for an infection to occur after receiving a transfusion so watch for any signs such as fever, chills, redness at the site of injection, or fatigue that may indicate an infection has occurred. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms so that they can be treated properly and quickly before it becomes more serious.
  • Follow up with your doctor: Make sure you follow up with your doctor after receiving a blood transfusion so that they can monitor how well you are recovering from the procedure and make sure there are no complications such as anaemia or other infections present in your system due to the transfusion itself.

Conclusion

The results of our study suggest that blood transfusions can be a safe and effective treatment for patients suffering from anaemia and other related conditions. While there are some risks associated with the procedure, they are generally outweighed by the potential benefits. Patients should discuss any concerns they may have with their doctor before undergoing the procedure.

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Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
Reviewed By
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Reviewed ByDr. Bhupindera Jaswant SinghMD - Consultant PhysicianGeneral Physician
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