Why Do I Need A Blood Transfusion?

Your doctor has determined that your medical or surgical condition warrants a blood transfusion. Specific details about why you need blood are best answered by your doctor.

A sample of your blood, obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm, will be sent to the lab. An I.D. bracelet will be put on, which uniquely identifies you. The samples drawn will also be labeled with your information. The blood bank in the lab will determine your blood type and find a unit of compatible donated blood.

A doctor that specializes in Transfusion Medicine oversees this testing. This testing may be done several days before the transfusion or on the day of transfusion.

If you have received a blood transfusion anytime in the past, it is important to tell the doctor or nurse so they can alert the blood bank. Depending on what type of blood product you are receiving, a transfusion lasts approximately 1-4 hours.

What Happens During The Transfusion?

A needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm with I.V. tubing attached; first saline will be started, then the blood. Before starting the transfusion, a nurse or doctor will check your ID bracelet to properly identify you and the unit of blood sent by the blood bank. A nurse will monitor your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse before, during and after the transfusion. This is done to make sure that you are not having a transfusion reaction. If during the transfusion you experience any of the following symptoms, tell the nurse or doctor as you may be having a reaction to the blood and need treatment.

Shaking chills
Back pain
Feeling hot or flushed
Difficulty breathing or feeling uncomfortable
Pain where the needle is inserted
Nausea
Hives

Are There Other Choices?

In some cases, it may be possible to donate your own blood for non-emergency use (such as before elective surgery). This type of blood donation is called autologous. Since you are getting your own blood, many infectious risks are eliminated, but other risks associated with transfusion remain. It may be possible to arrange for blood donations from family members or friends. This type of donation is called directed donation. Directed donation may not be safer than blood from the volunteer blood supply. Both autologous and directed donations may not be adequate for all of your transfusion needs, which means you may still need to receive a unit of volunteer-donated blood. Your doctor or the transfusion medicine doctor can answer questions about these special products.

Are Blood Transfusions Safe?

At the Oklahoma Blood Institute a blood donor must meet strict guidelines to be accepted for donation. These strict standards are established to provide the safest possible blood components. All blood products are tested for ABO and RH type, HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, and Human T-lymphotrophic viruses (HTLV). Recent statistics show the risk for HIV is less than one in two millions units. For comparison, your risk of being hit and killed by a car is one in 20,000.

What Are The Risks Of Having A Reaction From A Transfusion?

The risk of having a reaction to blood transfusion is very small. Most transfusions do not cause serious side effects, but, as with any medical treatment, are not without some risk. Most transfusion reactions occur during or immediately after a transfusion, however, delayed reactions can take place 3-12 days after a transfusion. Common, temporary side effects can include bruising or mild pain at the infusion site. A mild allergic transfusion reaction may cause hives or itching. Other mild reactions may cause fever or chills. Depending on the type of reaction, you may be given medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl). A serious reaction such as hemolytic transfusion reaction (which is the destruction of red cells) is highly unlikely. If you have any symptoms (see above) TELL THE DOCTOR OR NURSE IMMEDIATELY. A small number or patients may develop a blood antibody, which may interfere with future transfusions or pregnancy. If, after returning home, you notice a change in urine color to pink, red, or brown, or notice a change in skin color to yellow, call your doctor immediately, or call the emergency room or hospital clinic.

What Are The Charges For A Blood Transfusion?

Blood itself is a donated product. However, there are costs associated with testing, storage, and transfusion. A processing fee is charged to recover those costs.

What Happens If I Refuse Transfusion?

Adults have the right to refuse a blood transfusion; however, you are responsible for the consequences or complications caused by your refusal.

How Can I Find Out More?

If you have any questions about blood transfusion, ask your doctor. The transfusion medicine doctors at OBI can also talk to you about any concerns you may have about receiving a blood product.