Transfuusio

Transfuusio is the medical procedure of transferring blood or blood components from a donor to a recipient. The term, rooted in Latin, is used in several languages to denote transfusion. It is used to replace blood loss due to injury or surgery, or to treat certain anemias and hematologic conditions. Modern practice emphasizes component therapy, most commonly red blood cells, but also platelets, plasma, or cryoprecipitated factors.

Before transfusion, compatibility testing and donor screening are performed. The recipient is typed for ABO and Rh status, and crossmatching or antigen matching is used to reduce reactions. Blood products are screened for infectious agents, leukoreduced when indicated, and may be irradiated to prevent certain transfusion-associated complications.

Indications include acute hemorrhage, perioperative blood loss, anemia from chronic disease or chemotherapy, and marrow failure. Autologous transfusion and alternatives such as iron therapy, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, or pharmacologic hemostasis may be used to reduce the need for donor blood. Appropriate dosing and monitoring are essential to balance benefits and risks.

Risks include transfusion reactions (fever, allergy, or, rarely, hemolysis), transfusion-related acute lung injury, and circulatory overload. Repeated transfusions may lead to alloimmunization or iron overload. Safety has improved markedly with donor screening, pathogen reduction, and strict storage and handling; storage times vary by product type, with red cells kept at refrigerated temperatures for about 42 days, platelets at room temperature for about five days, and plasma frozen for extended periods.