Reasons for Blood Transfusion
When your doctor informs you that you need the Blood Transfusion procedure performed it can be scary. Learn exactly what the procedure involves, the reasons it needs to be performed and what the next steps could be.
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
Why Blood Transfusion is Performed
Reasons for Procedure
A blood transfusion should help increase your level of blood cells or other specific blood products. It may be needed if you have:
- Blood and fluid loss due to injury, surgery, or disease
- Severe anemia
- Bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand's disease or hemophilia
- Poor immune system
- Leukemia
- Diseases that result in destruction of blood cells or bone marrow
- Side effects of certain medicines (eg, chemotherapy for cancer)
Your doctor will review any possible complications with you. Complications from a blood transfusion are rare but may include:
- Allergic reactions due to the mismatching of blood types can occur but are very rare.
- Certain infections, such as hepatitis or HIV , can be passed on during blood transfusions, but this is very rare. Many steps and tests are done to thoroughly check donated blood for such infections before anyone is allowed to receive it.
Learn
 Complications Learn about possible complications and what might increase the risk of them. |
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 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
