blodtransfusion

Blodtransfusion, also known as blood transfusion, is the medical procedure of transferring blood or blood components from a donor to a recipient to replace blood loss or improve oxygen delivery. It is used in cases of severe bleeding, surgery, trauma, anemia, cancer chemotherapy, or other medical conditions affecting blood production.

Blood is typically given as red blood cells, plasma, platelets, or a combination. Whole blood is rarely used but can be employed in certain trauma situations. The selection depends on the clinical need: red cells to restore oxygen carrying capacity; plasma to replenish clotting factors; platelets to treat thrombocytopenia or platelets dysfunction; cryoprecipitate for fibrinogen deficiency.

Before transfusion, compatibility testing is performed. The donor and recipient blood are matched for ABO and Rh(D) antigens, and an antibody screen is conducted. A crossmatch may be done to confirm compatibility. Blood is screened for infectious agents and stored under defined conditions.

Storage and administration: red blood cells are stored 1-6 C, plasma frozen or refrigerated, platelets stored at room temperature with gentle agitation. Transfusions require informed consent where applicable and monitoring for adverse reactions during and after.

Risks and adverse effects: transfusion reactions (allergic, febrile, hemolytic), alloimmunization, iron overload with chronic transfusion, infections (rare due to screening), and non-infectious risks such as transfusion-related acute lung injury and circulatory overload.

Alternatives and governance: efforts to minimize transfusion use include autologous transfusion, cell salvage, use of iron therapy or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, and adherence to safety guidelines, donor recruitment, screening, and regulation by health authorities.