Blood Transfusions

Blood transfusions are essential in medical practice for several reasons. They are primarily used to replace blood lost during surgeries, trauma, or childbirth. Transfusions also serve as a means of replenishing blood components, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, in patients with anaemia, bleeding disorders, or certain diseases affecting blood cell production. Moreover, blood transfusions are instrumental in supporting patients undergoing cancer treatments, organ transplants, and other critical medical interventions.

Blood transfusions can involve the use of whole blood or specific blood components, depending on the patient's needs. The key blood components used in transfusions are as follows:

• Red Blood Cells (RBCs)
  Packed red blood cells, obtained by separating plasma from donated blood, are commonly transfused to increase oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with anaemia or significant blood loss.
• Platelets
  Platelet transfusions are crucial for individuals with low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), which can result from chemotherapy, certain medications, or conditions affecting bone marrow function. Platelets help with blood clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.
• Plasma
  Plasma transfusions provide clotting factors, albumin, and other essential proteins to individuals with certain bleeding disorders, liver disease, or severe burns. Plasma transfusions are also vital for patients with severe infections or immune deficiencies.
• Cryoprecipitate
  Cryoprecipitate is a component of plasma rich in clotting factors, particularly fibrinogen. It is often used to manage bleeding in patients with clotting factor deficiencies, such as haemophilia or von Willebrand disease.

The transfusion process involves several crucial steps to ensure the safety and compatibility of the blood being transfused:

• Donor Screening
  Donated blood undergoes rigorous screening to ensure it is safe for transfusion. Donors are screened for infectious diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and others. Blood banks follow strict protocols to minimise the risk of transmitting infections.
• Blood Typing and Crossmatching
  Before transfusion, both the donor and recipient blood types are determined to ensure compatibility. A cross matching test is performed to check for any potential adverse reactions between the donor's blood and the recipient's immune system.
• Administration
  The blood or blood component is administered intravenously to the recipient. Healthcare professionals closely monitor vital signs during the transfusion to detect any adverse reactions promptly.
• Adverse Reactions
  While transfusions are generally safe, adverse reactions can occur. These may include allergic reactions, fever, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), or in rare cases, transfusion-transmitted infections. Healthcare providers are trained to recognize and manage these reactions effectively.

Blood transfusions find application across a range of medical conditions and situations, including:

• Acute Blood Loss
  Transfusions are crucial for patients experiencing significant blood loss due to trauma, surgery, or childbirth. They help restore blood volume and oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Anaemia
  Individuals with severe anaemia, caused by conditions such as iron deficiency.
• Medical oncology
  Many cancer patients require blood and blood components on a daily basis.

The Department of Clinical Haematology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore provides comprehensive treatment and care for haemophilia patients. All the staff members at our hospital are highly qualified and experienced in dealing with such procedures. Further, our department is fully equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and high-end technology to help healthcare professionals perform blood transfusions safely and with best outcomes.