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Red cell transfusion day: comfortable and safe

When hemoglobin is very low or symptoms are severe, red cells are transfused. This can ease tiredness and breathlessness. It can take a few hours, so plan the day for comfort.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Bags of donor blood connected to tubing
Figure 1.Bags of donor blood

01Short answer

A blood sample is taken beforehand to check compatibility. Before you come, eat, dress comfortably and bring a book, headphones and a snack (within your team's rules). The nurse will check your identity and the bag, and measure your pulse, blood pressure and temperature. Tell staff at once about chills, a temperature, a rash, breathlessness, chest or back pain, or a sense that something is wrong. You may feel better afterwards; keep watching for new symptoms at home. With repeated transfusions, your team considers iron build-up.

02Simple explanation

Compatibility test.

Plan the day for comfort.

Symptoms: at once.

At home: watch.

03Scientific explanation

NHS: red cell transfusions treat anaemia; compatibility checks and observation keep them safe.

NCI: chemotherapy can lower neutrophils, platelets and red cells, which raises the risk of infection, bleeding and fatigue.

04What happens in the body?

Compatibility

Blood group and antibodies are checked.

Iron

Iron can build up after many transfusions.

Red cells
Figure 3.Red cells — Red cell transfusion day: comfortable and safe

Neutrophils

The first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.

Platelets

Help blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

05Daily protection: four steps

Wash, protect, check, report.

Wash — Hands and personal hygiene.1WashHands and personal hygiene.
Protect — Against injury and infection.2ProtectAgainst injury and infection.
Check — Temperature and skin.3CheckTemperature and skin.
Report — Tell your team about changes.4ReportTell your team about changes.
HygieneClean hands.
TemperatureThe 38 °C threshold.
ProtectionYour team's rules.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
CompatibilityBlood group and antibodies are checked.
IronIron can build up after many transfusions.
NeutrophilsThe first defence against infection; when they are low, hygiene matters most.
PlateletsHelp blood clot; when they are low, protect yourself from injury.

07Key terms

Red cell
A blood cell that carries hemoglobin.
Crossmatch
A test that donor and recipient blood are compatible.
ANC
Absolute neutrophil count.
Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count.

08Key points

  • Prepare.
  • Rest.
  • Report.
  • Wash your hands.
  • 38 °C: call.

09Frequently asked questions

How long does it take?

Usually a few hours; your team will tell you.

Will my blood group change?

No; after a transplant there can be a special situation, so ask your team.

What should I watch every day?

Temperature, bleeding, tiredness and the catheter site; tell your team about any change.

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. How long does it take?

  2. Will my blood group change?

  3. What should I watch every day?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Blood transfusion
  2. National Cancer Institute. Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  3. National Cancer Institute. Bleeding and Bruising (Thrombocytopenia) and Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. Anemia and Cancer Treatment
  5. World Health Organization. World Hand Hygiene Day
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Depression (PDQ) – Patient Version
  7. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2022. Exercise, Diet, and Weight Management During Cancer Treatment: ASCO Guideline
  8. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2019. Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors: Consensus Statement from International Multidisciplinary Roundtable
  9. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019. Aerobic physical exercise for adult patients with haematological malignancies
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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