Blood Transfusions

What is a blood transfusion?  

Blood transfusion is when a person gets donated blood. You might need donated blood if you:

• Lost a lot of blood, for example in an accident or during surgery
• Have a medical condition that affects your blood

Blood is made up of different parts:

• Red blood cells carry oxygen to your body
• White blood cells help fight infections
• Platelets help your blood to clot
• Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. It contains many types of proteins. Some of these proteins help your blood to clot.

Depending on why you need a transfusion, you might need just one of these parts.

SAFETY OF TRANSFUSIONS:

The blood used at the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters is from the American Red Cross. People who donate blood must answer questions to learn if they are at a higher risk for some infections. The donated blood is carefully tested for hepatitis, syphilis, and antibody to two human immunodeficiency viruses, including the AIDS (acquired human immune deficiency) virus. These tests decrease the chances of transfusion related infections, but no test can screen for infectious agents 100% of the time.

HOW BLOOD IS TRANSFUSED:

Before donated blood is given to your child, it is checked for compatibility with your child’s blood. The blood will be given through a needle or catheter placed in a vein. Your child’s temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate will be checked many times while the blood is being given. It may take up to four hours to complete the process.

WHAT IS AN AUTOLOGOUS BLOOD TRANSFUSION?

Most transfusions are done using volunteer donor blood, but a patient may choose to use their own blood for transfusion. This is called an autologous blood transfusion. A child must weigh about 90 pounds for autologous donation. Most children are not big enough to donate blood for themselves.

What are the risks of blood transfusion?

Risks of a blood transfusion include:

• Allergic reactions, fever, or hives
• Shortness of breath if your body has trouble handling extra fluids
• A reaction in the lungs that affects breathing
• The body attacking donated red blood cells
• An infection for which the blood is not screened, or a bacterial infection

What else do I need to know?

Be sure to tell staff right away if your child has any symptoms during their transfusion that might mean there is a problem. Symptoms can also happen days or weeks after your transfusion.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of the following:

• Signs of a very bad reaction – These include wheezing; trouble breathing, chest or back pain or tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. If you have any of these symptoms at home after your transfusion, call for an ambulance right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1).

If you see any of the following symptoms, call your child’s doctor. If you are not able to reach this doctor, you may return to the Emergency Department.

Immediate Effects

• Signs of infection – These include a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher or chills.
• Headache or dizziness
• Itching or a rash
• Abdominal, back, or chest pain
• Urine that looks red or dark in color
• Greatly decreased urine output (decrease in number of wet diapers or a decrease in the amount of times you urinate)

Delayed Effects (within 2 weeks)

• Yellow color of skin and eyes
• Bloody or dark brown urine
• Greatly decreased urine output
• Excessive tiredness which does not improve with rest
• Swollen joints
• Skin rash