Definition

A blood transfusion is when blood is given through a vein. The blood comes from a donor.

For planned procedures, some people have their blood drawn at an earlier date and stored until the transfusion is needed.

Reasons for Procedure

A blood transfusion raises the level of blood cells or other specific blood products. It may be given for:

• Blood and fluid loss due to injury, surgery, or disease
• Severe anemia
• Bleeding problems, such as von Willebrand disease or hemophilia
• Immune system problems
• Leukemia
• Diseases that destroy blood cells or bone marrow

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

• Allergic reactions
• Mismatching of blood types
• Iron build up
• Infections that can be passed through blood such as hepatitis or HIV (rare due to blood screening methods)

What to Expect

Description of the Procedure

You will be seated. A bag with blood product will be hung nearby. An IV needle will be placed into a vein in your hand or arm. The blood product will drip from the bag through the tube into your vein. The needle will be taken out when the bag is empty.

Common IV Placement

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Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

• New rash, hives, or itching
• Shortness of breath, wheezing
• Swelling in legs, feet, hands, arms, or face
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea or vomiting
• New pain, especially in the back or chest
• Redness, swelling, excess bleeding, or discharge where the needle was inserted
• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.