Blood transfusion

Definition

A blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which blood or blood components are transferred from one person (donor) into another person’s bloodstream (recipient). This procedure is often used to replace lost components of the blood due to surgery, injury, or disease.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Blood transfusions can trigger hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic shock, which is a severe allergic reaction.
2. Compatibility between donor and recipient blood types is crucial to avoid hemolytic reactions, where the recipient's immune system attacks the donated blood cells.
3. Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is a serious complication that can occur within 6 hours of receiving a transfusion.
4. Patients with immunodeficiencies may require regular blood transfusions as part of their treatment plan to maintain adequate levels of healthy blood cells.
5. The risk of transmission of infectious diseases through blood transfusions has been significantly reduced due to rigorous screening protocols.

Review Questions

• What are some potential hypersensitivity reactions associated with blood transfusions?
• Why is compatibility between donor and recipient blood types important in a blood transfusion?
• What measures have been implemented to reduce the risk of infectious disease transmission during blood transfusions?

Related terms

Hemolytic Reaction: An immune response where the recipient's body attacks incompatible donor red blood cells.

Anaphylactic Shock: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen.

Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI): A serious condition characterized by sudden lung injury occurring within six hours post-transfusion.