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Azerbaijan: blood transfusion

Leukaemia and its treatment lower blood cell counts, so many patients need red cell and platelet transfusions. This chapter explains how transfusion is organised in Azerbaijan and how safe it is.

Last updated: ~2 min read
On a dark navy background, two translucent bags side by side: one deep red, one pale golden.
Figure 1.Red cells and platelets are the most common transfusions in leukaemia.

01Short answer

In Azerbaijan, transfusion services are part of the national haematology centre, which also collects, tests and separates blood into components. In leukaemia, the most common transfusions are red cells (for low haemoglobin) and platelet concentrate (for bleeding risk). Before every transfusion, blood group and compatibility are checked, and donor blood is tested for infections. A nurse monitors you during the transfusion.

02Simple explanation

Red cells carry oxygen — they are given when haemoglobin is low.

Platelets stop bleeding — they are given when counts are very low.

Compatibility is checked before every transfusion.

03Scientific explanation

Types of transfusion: according to the NHS and MedlinePlus, cancer treatment most often involves red cell, platelet and sometimes plasma transfusions; the doctor decides based on tests and symptoms.

Safety: the WHO recommends that all donated blood be screened at least for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis, and regards voluntary unpaid donation as the safest source.

04What happens in the body?

When is it needed?

After chemotherapy, the bone marrow temporarily makes few cells. When haemoglobin or platelets fall below a certain level or symptoms appear, the doctor orders a transfusion.

Compatibility

Your blood group (ABO and Rh) is determined and donor blood is tested against yours. Patients who receive many transfusions sometimes need specially processed components — the team decides.

On a dark navy background, two blood drops approaching each other, their patterns lighting up as they match.
Figure 2.Compatibility is checked before every transfusion.

Storage and supply

Blood components are stored under special conditions, and platelets keep only for a short time. That is why blood services constantly need new donors.

On a dark navy background, a glass-doored blood bank refrigerator with rows of bags inside.
Figure 3.Blood components are stored under special conditions.

05Transfusion in four steps

From test to monitoring.

Test — Haemoglobin and platelets are checked.1TestHaemoglobin and platelets are checked.
Compatibility — Blood group and crossmatch.2CompatibilityBlood group and crossmatch.
Transfusion — A drip, supervised by a nurse.3TransfusionA drip, supervised by a nurse.
Monitoring — Watching for signs of a reaction.4MonitoringWatching for signs of a reaction.
StrengthHaemoglobin rises, weakness eases.
SafetyBleeding risk falls.
ControlReactions are noticed in time.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
When is it needed?After chemotherapy, the bone marrow temporarily makes few cells. When haemoglobin or platelets fall below a certain level or symptoms appear, the doctor orders a transfusion.
CompatibilityYour blood group (ABO and Rh) is determined and donor blood is tested against yours. Patients who receive many transfusions sometimes need specially processed components — the team decides.
Storage and supplyBlood components are stored under special conditions, and platelets keep only for a short time. That is why blood services constantly need new donors.

07Key terms

Red cell concentrate
A component made of oxygen-carrying red cells.
Platelet concentrate
Cells that help blood clot.
Crossmatch
A test of whether donor blood suits the recipient.
Transfusion medicine
The field of medicine dealing with blood transfusion.

08Key points

  • Blood services are part of the National Centre.
  • Red cells and platelets are most common.
  • Compatibility is checked every time.
  • Report any reaction at once.
  • Blood services always need donors.

09Frequently asked questions

Should my relatives give blood?

It depends on the institution’s rules. Ask the centre and see the “Donor system” chapter.

Can a transfusion pass on an infection?

The risk is very low because donor blood is tested. Share any worries with your doctor.

How many transfusions will I need?

It depends on your treatment and blood counts. In acute leukaemia, dozens of units are sometimes needed.

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. Should my relatives give blood?

  2. Can a transfusion pass on an infection?

  3. How many transfusions will I need?

My questions

12Sources

  1. NHS. Blood transfusion
  2. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Blood Transfusion and Donation
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). Blood safety and availability — fact sheet
  4. State haematology centre (Baku). Official website (in Azerbaijani)
  5. Official website of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Decree on the establishment of the national haematology centre, 23 December 2019 (in Azerbaijani)
  6. Minsk Scientific and Practical Center for Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology. Bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation
  7. Clinics of Belarus. Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology
  8. Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Moldova. Authorities drop plans for a leukemia transplant centre in Chisinau and look for solutions in Romania, 2024 (in Romanian)
  9. Institute of Oncology (Chisinau). Official website (in Romanian)
  10. National Projects of Russia (official portal). How the Dmitry Rogachev Center works (in Russian)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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