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What is a transfusion

A transfusion is giving donated blood or blood components into a vein. It is often needed during leukemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Red cells
Figure 1.Red cells — What is a transfusion

01Short answer

Leukemia and chemotherapy reduce the marrow’s blood production. When red cells are low, tiredness and breathlessness follow, and red cells are transfused. When platelets are low, bleeding risk rises, and platelets are transfused. Sometimes plasma or other components are needed. Before a transfusion the blood group and compatibility are checked, and during it a nurse monitors you. Reactions are rare and usually dealt with quickly.

02Simple explanation

A transfusion is temporary help: it replaces missing cells until the marrow recovers.

Compatibility is checked every time.

03Scientific explanation

Haematology patients usually receive leucodepleted components (with white cells removed); after a transplant and with some medicines, irradiated components may be required.

Transfusion thresholds depend on the situation; restrictive approaches are safe in many cases.

04What happens in the body?

The kinds

Red cells for anaemia. Platelets for very low platelets or bleeding. Plasma for clotting problems.

How it goes

A blood sample is taken and matched. Your identity is confirmed again before the transfusion. It usually takes a few hours, with blood pressure, pulse and temperature checked.

Platelets and red cells
Figure 2.Platelets and red cells

Safety

Donated blood is screened for infections. If a reaction such as fever, chills or rash occurs, the transfusion is stopped and treated.

A donor’s gift
Figure 3.A donor’s gift — What is a transfusion

05Steps of a transfusion

Four steps.

Compatibility test — The blood group is checked.1Compatibility testThe blood group is checked.
Identity check — The right blood for the right patient.2Identity checkThe right blood for the right patient.
A slow start — The first minutes are watched closely.3A slow startThe first minutes are watched closely.
Watching for reactions — Vital signs are measured.4Watching for reactionsVital signs are measured.
More energyAnaemia and tiredness ease.
Less bleedingPlatelets give protection.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
The kindsRed cells for anaemia. Platelets for very low platelets or bleeding. Plasma for clotting problems.
How it goesA blood sample is taken and matched. Your identity is confirmed again before the transfusion. It usually takes a few hours, with blood pressure, pulse and temperature checked.
SafetyDonated blood is screened for infections. If a reaction such as fever, chills or rash occurs, the transfusion is stopped and treated.

07Key terms

Red cells
A component made of red blood cells.
Leucodepletion
Removing white cells from a component.
Irradiated blood
A component treated to lower the risk of GVHD.

08Key points

  • A transfusion replaces missing cells.
  • Compatibility is checked each time.
  • Reactions are rare.
  • Report symptoms at once.

09Frequently asked questions

Can my family give blood for me?

Some countries allow directed donation, but relatives’ blood is sometimes not advised before a transplant; ask your team.

Is a transfusion painful?

With a central line it is usually painless.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can my family give blood for me?

  2. Is a transfusion painful?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Blood transfusion
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Blood Transfusion and Donation
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens
  5. WHO Regional Office for Europe. A declaration on the promotion of patients’ rights in Europe (1994)
  6. NHS (UK). Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
  7. NHS (UK). Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
  8. NHS (UK). Chronic myeloid leukaemia
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). What Is Cancer?
  10. American Cancer Society. Risk Factors for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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