Blood transfusion involves taking blood from one person (a donor) and giving it to another.
Blood transfusions are sometimes needed to replace blood lost in major accidents, during life-saving operations and after childbirth. They may also be needed to treat other conditions when a patient is anaemic, or inherited forms of anaemia such as thalassaemia (see Why it is necessary, above).
Blood transfusions using whole blood are no longer used in the UK. Instead, blood is separated by the blood service after collection into its three main components:
- red bloods cells,
- plasma, and
- platelets.
A blood transfusion is given through a tiny tube directly into a vein in the arm (see How it works, above).
Most people can receive a blood transfusion - premature babies, children or adults.
Glossary
- Blood
- Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
- Oxygen
- Oxygen is an odourless, colourless gas that makes up about 20% of the air we breathe.
- Antibodies
- Antibodies and immunoglobins are proteins in the blood. They are produced by the immune system to fight against bacteria, viruses and disease.
Last updated: 04 October 2011
Continue to next section: Why a blood transfusion is necessary