Patient Resources
What is normally present in blood?
Blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets floating in liquid called plasma. Plasma contains many factors including those necessary for clotting. Platelets are also involved in the prevention of bleeding. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to all tissues of the body. White blood cells fight infection.
What is a transfusion?
A transfusion is when you receive a blood component through an intravenous tube in your arm. A blood component is made when donor blood is separated into different parts. Some examples of these blood components are red blood cells, platelets, plasma, albumin, and clotting factors.
Where does the blood used for a transfusion come from?
What are some of the frequently asked questions about blood transfusions?
Blood is collected from healthy volunteer donors. Each time blood is donated, it is tested for syphilis, hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV and other viruses. Blood is NOT used for transfusion if there is any concern it may transmit disease. In an emergency, your doctor will decide whether to transfuse and what type of blood product to use.
You may need a transfusion for many reasons:
- To increase red blood cells, therefore increasing oxygen circulating in your blood to support body functions
- To replace clotting factor or platelets in your blood to help stop bleeding
- To replace blood loss that cannot be retrieved because of trauma or injury
- To replace blood loss resulting from treatment or procedure that may cause your blood cells to be lower for a time
Blood transfusion risks:
For each blood component received, the current risk of some viral infections is estimated to be:
- 1 in 5,000,000 for HIV.
- 1 in 31,000 for Hepatitis B (liver infection).
The current risk of some non-viral infection is estimated to be:
- 1 in 500,000 to 1 in 1,000,000 for other infections.
- 1 in 250 to 1 in 23,000 for allergic reactions.
- 1 in 500 to 1 in 200 for febrile(increased temperature) reactions.
Source Canadian Data from Kleinman, Chan and Robillard, 2003.
The risks of becoming ill due to a transfusion are very small; however, like many medical treatments, blood can never be completely risk free. You must decide in discussions with your doctor if the risks associated with having a blood transfusion are higher than the possible result of not receiving a transfusion. In an emergency, your doctor will decide whether to transfuse and what type of blood product to use.
Can I refuse a transfusion?
A competent person is entitled to refuse or stop a treatment. If you do not want a transfusion for any reason including religious beliefs, you must inform your doctor. However, there are risks associated with refusal. Ask your doctor. More complete information on these choices is available from your doctor.
