What Is a Blood Transfusion?

Almost five million Americans undergo this procedure every year.

A blood transfusion is a procedure during which donated blood is added to your own.

Blood transfusions boost blood levels that are low.

You may need one due to surgery, bleeding, injury, cancer, infection, a blood disorder, a liver problem, or another type of health concern.

Blood contains components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

A blood transfusion may provide you with whole blood, or with the parts of blood that are most helpful to you.

Sometimes a blood transfusion is performed with your own blood that you've donated ahead of time.

The blood given in a transfusion must be compatible with your blood type. Your blood will be tested to determine if it's A, B, AB, or O, and if it's Rh positive or Rh negative.

Blood banks carefully screen donated blood to identify blood type.

They also test for infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which can be transmitted during a transfusion.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, almost five million Americans need a blood transfusion each year.

Blood Transfusion Procedure

Blood transfusions are typically performed in a hospital, doctor's office, or other medical facility.

During a blood transfusion, an intravenous (IV) line is placed in a vein in your arm.

Blood or blood components that are stored in a plastic bag are delivered through the IV into your bloodstream.

The procedure typically takes one to four hours.

Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during your transfusion:

• Shortness of breath
• Fever or chills
• Pain at the infusion site
• Unusual itching
• A sense of uneasiness

Before a Blood Transfusion

You won't need to change your diet or limit any activities before receiving a blood transfusion.

Let your doctor know if you've had a transfusion in the past that caused an adverse reaction.

After a Blood Transfusion

After the procedure, you may develop bruising where the needle was inserted.

You may need more blood testing to check how your body is responding to the transfusion.

Blood Transfusion Risks

Blood transfusions are considered safe, but certain complications can happen during or after the procedure. These include:

• Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Fever
• Lung injury
• Acute immune hemolytic reaction (occurs when the body suddenly attacks donor red blood cells)
• Delayed hemolytic reaction (occurs when the body gradually attacks donor red blood cells)
• Bloodborne infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C
• Iron overload (too much iron in the blood)
• Graft-versus-host disease (occurs when donor white blood cells attack the recipient's bone marrow)