Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

A blood transfusion is the delivery of blood through a vein. The blood may come from an unrelated or related 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 should help increase your level of blood cells or other specific blood products. It may be needed if you have:

Possible Complications

Your doctor will review any possible complications with you. Complications from a blood transfusion are rare but may include:

What to Expect

  • You will have a blood test to determine your specific blood type. The donor blood will be carefully matched to your blood type.
  • You may also be given a physical exam. Your vital signs, including your temperature, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure, will be recorded.
  • You may be given Tylenol and Benadryl before you receive a transfusion. These drugs will help reduce any minor allergic reactions.

You will be asked to sit in a comfortable chair. A bag containing the 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 slowly from the bag through a tube into your vein. After the bag of blood product is empty, the needle in your arm will be removed.

Common IV Placement

IV arm
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Throughout the transfusion, your vital signs will be checked regularly. You will also be asked about pain, itching, or discomfort of any sort. Most reactions occur early in a blood transfusion, so you will be monitored more closely during the first 15 minutes.

About 2–4 hours

The placement of the IV needle is uncomfortable. After the needle is in place, it should not cause pain.

Immediately following your procedure, the staff may provide the following care:

  • You will be monitored closely.
  • Your doctor may give you specific instructions based on your overall condition.
  • Your doctor may order blood tests to determine how effective the transfusion was.

When you return home after the transfusion, carefully follow your doctor’s advice regarding any activity restrictions or other instructions .

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction or infection, such as:

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

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.