A general guide to blood transfusion

A blood transfusion is when you get blood through a tube (IV) placed into a vein. You might need one if your body cannot make enough blood, if your blood cells are not working properly, or if you have lost a lot of blood.

Ways to lower the need for a transfusion include:

• Talk to your health care team about the best way to treat low red blood cells (anaemia).
• If you are having surgery, ask if you need to stop or pause certain medications to lower the risk of bleeding.
• For some surgeries, your health care team may suggest saving your own blood to use later.

If you do need a transfusion, you should receive only what is needed to help you feel better. For example, after one bag of blood, you will be checked to see if you need more. Sometimes, one bag is enough.

Types of transfusion

Red cells carry oxygen throughout the body. They may be given if your levels are low or if you have lost blood.

Platelets help your blood form clots to stop bleeding by sticking together at the site of an injury.

Plasma contains factors that help blood clot and may be given to help stop bleeding.

Other blood products may be given for other reasons, such as boosting the immune system or replacing clotting factors. For more information, visit Australian Red Cross Lifeblood.

If you need a transfusion

Before a transfusion, you will need a blood test to check your blood type and make sure you receive the right match.

When having a blood test, make sure your full name and date of birth are correct on both the request form and the sample tube.

Risks

Australia has one of the safest blood supplies in the world. However, like any medical treatment, blood transfusions carry some risks.

Common risks:

• Minor reactions such as a mild fever or skin rash.
• Fluid overload, which can cause breathing problems, especially in older adults and people with heart disease.

Less common risks:

• Receiving the wrong blood type.
• Severe reactions such as allergies or lung injury.
• Infection from bacteria or viruses (very rare).

Consent

Treatment is your choice. Before a transfusion, you will be asked to give your consent. Use this checklist to help you decide:

• Do you know why a transfusion is needed?
• Have you asked about ways to lower the need for a transfusion?
• Do you understand the risks?
• Have all your questions been answered?

When you get a transfusion

Before the transfusion, staff will check your name and date of birth. Two staff members will complete this check with you. If you need more than one bag of blood or different blood products, these checks will be repeated each time.

During the transfusion, staff will monitor you closely by checking your pulse, blood pressure and temperature. Most people feel well during a blood transfusion, but if you feel unwell at any time, tell staff straight away.

You may be able to leave hospital immediately after your transfusion. Before you leave, talk to staff about what to do if you feel unwell later.

If you have concerns

If you are worried at any time, it is important to speak up. Tell staff about your concerns and they will help you feel safe and comfortable.

This includes:

• if there is a problem when checking your name and date of birth.
• if you think the checks were not completed correctly.
• if you feel unwell during or after the transfusion.

General information

If you need more than one transfusion or receive regular transfusions, you will need a blood test each time.

If blood is needed urgently and you have not had a blood test, a special blood type may be used until your exact match is available.

Your identification details must always be checked with someone else, such as a family member, support person or another member of staff.