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Treatment and the treatment process

Blood and platelet transfusions

Red cell and platelet transfusions are often needed during leukaemia treatment; this is routine supportive care.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A red cell bag — Blood and platelet transfusions
Figure 1.A red cell bag — Blood and platelet transfusions

01Short answer

Red cells ease tiredness and breathlessness from anaemia. Platelets prevent bleeding. Before every transfusion your blood group is checked and the nurse cross-checks your name and the label. In leukaemia, irradiated or leucocyte-depleted products are often used. The threshold for transfusion is set by your team from tests and symptoms.

02Simple explanation

Topic. blood and platelet transfusions.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Supportive care and transfusions”.

03Scientific explanation

Irradiated product: prevents a reaction from donor lymphocytes, especially after transplant and some medicines.

Alloimmunisation: after many transfusions platelets may work less well; matched products are chosen.

04What happens in the body?

Blood and platelet transfusions

Red cells ease tiredness and breathlessness from anaemia. Platelets prevent bleeding. Before every transfusion your blood group is checked and the nurse cross-checks your name and the label. In leukaemia, irradiated or leucocyte-depleted products are often used. The threshold for transfusion is set by your team from tests and symptoms.

In more detail

Irradiated product: prevents a reaction from donor lymphocytes, especially after transplant and some medicines. Alloimmunisation: after many transfusions platelets may work less well; matched products are chosen.

A platelet bag — Blood and platelet transfusions
Figure 2.A platelet bag — Blood and platelet transfusions

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Supportive care and transfusions”.

A label check — Blood and platelet transfusions
Figure 3.A label check — Blood and platelet transfusions

05Blood and platelet transfusions: the steps

Four steps.

Test — Blood group.1TestBlood group.
Check — Name and label.2CheckName and label.
Transfusion — Slow start.3TransfusionSlow start.
Observation — Reactions.4ObservationReactions.

06Products

ProductWhat forDuration
Red cellsAnaemiaA few hours
PlateletsBleeding riskShorter
PlasmaClotting problemsWhen needed

07Key terms

Red cell concentrate
A red blood cell product.
Irradiated blood
A product with inactivated lymphocytes.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Supportive care and transfusions”.

09Frequently asked questions

Can my relatives donate?

Rules vary by country; if a transplant is planned, ask your team first.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Supportive care and transfusions”.

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 relatives donate?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Blood Transfusion and Donation
  2. MedlinePlus. Platelet Disorders
  3. MedlinePlus. Leukemia
  4. MedlinePlus. Urine 24-hour volume
  5. MedlinePlus. Creatinine blood test
  6. MedlinePlus. Furosemide
  7. MedlinePlus. Potassium test
  8. Canadian Cancer Society. Tumour lysis syndrome
  9. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. About Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS)
  10. MedlinePlus. Allopurinol
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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