transfusioner

Transfusioner are medical procedures that involve transferring blood or blood components from a donor to a recipient. In modern medicine, transfusioner help restore circulating blood volume, improve oxygen delivery, and correct deficiencies caused by injury, surgery, cancer treatment, or obstetric complications. They are typically used when other treatments are insufficient or time-sensitive.

Types and components include red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and cryoprecipitate. Red cell transfusions address anemia and acute blood loss; platelets are used to prevent or treat bleeding due to low platelet counts or dysfunction; plasma provides clotting factors; cryoprecipitate supplies fibrinogen and other coagulation components. Before transfusion, recipients are typed for ABO and Rh, and compatibility testing or a crossmatch is performed to minimize immune reactions. Some products may undergo leukoreduction or irradiation to reduce complications.

Process and safety involve donor screening, infectious disease testing, and proper storage. Transfusions are administered with monitoring for adverse reactions. Potential risks range from mild allergic reactions to serious events such as acute hemolytic transfusion reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO), or alloimmunization. Recurrent transfusions can lead to iron overload. Overall infection risk is very low due to rigorous screening and testing.

History and context: Transfusion practice has evolved since the early 20th century with advances in blood typing, refrigeration, screening, and component separation. Current guidance emphasizes appropriate use, patient blood management, and alternatives when possible, including autologous donation, pharmacologic support for anemia, and non-blood volume expansion strategies.