A blood transfusion is a way of transferring one’s blood to another person. Transfusions are possible because blood-donations
from volunteers at hospitals and blood banks. It may sound creepy to donate blood but it is safe and no big deal for a person to donate a small amount – usually 1 pint (473 milliliters). A person must be usually of 17 years to donate blood.
People who have certain illnesses such as hepatitis or HIV infections are not allowed to donate blood because they may pass their disease to another person through a blood transfusion. After a blood-donation has been carried out, the blood is checked very carefully to make sure that it is free of germs and diseases. The bank discards any blood that may make someone sick.
Blood banks are also very careful not to contaminate equipment like needles. Authorities who collect blood are sure to use a new needle and fresh collection equipment for every donor, so as to avoid the spread of infection to other people or contamination of other healthy blood at the blood bank. Blood is used just once and any leftover is thrown away.
Transfusions are often done to save the lives of kids and adults who have life threatening medical problems. People might need blood if they have been in a bad accident, had a surgery that caused blood loss, or have a certain disease, such as a cancer or sickle cell anemia. Babies that are born too early also might need transfusions to stay healthy while they grow.
In a transfusion a person might receive blood just as it came out of the person who donated it, but usually the person only needs part of the blood. Blood has different parts, or components and each has a job to do. They include plasma (a yellowish, watery liquid), that holds red and
white blood cells and platelets,
red blood cells, that carries oxygen, white blood cells, that fight off germs and hence prevent your body from illnesses and platelets that make your cuts stop bleeding. They stick together and plug up the cut blood vessel so that no more blood will flow out. Red blood cells, platelets and plasma are commonly used in transfusions. Red blood cells help people who have lost a lot of blood or are anemic. Hospital staff gives people plasma if they are bleeding too much, and platelets help people with certain types of cancers or bleeding problems.
Before a person gets blood, a small sample is firstly checked so that it can be tested to determine its type and the best match from the blood bank can be found. To get the sample, an IV – or intravenous – catheter (a tiny straw-like tube that goes in the vein) will be inserted in the vein in the person’s hand or arm. The blood will be drawn through this catheter, which is attached to a syringe with a test tube inside.
The IV will be taped carefully in place so that it can be used to give the blood when it is ready. A nurse will bring in a bag of the blood that has been specially selected for the person. The bag will hang on a pole and a tube will be inserted into the bag. Then the blood can travel from the bag, through the IV, and into the person’s blood vessels. Mostly patients do not feel any discomfort, when the blood is injected. But as the blood is refrigerated, it might feel a little cold. During the transfusion, the staff makes sure that the person feels right and keeps an eye on the person’s blood pressure and temperature. The staff also looks to make sure that there is no rash or other signs of an allergic reaction.
Transfusions are done quickly in emergency situations. While otherwise, the transfusion can take a few hours to finish. When the transfusion is done, the person has taken a big step towards being healthier than before.