What is it used for? of Blood transfusion

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Blood transfusions are an important part of much medical treatment. They are needed for many different procedures, including:Â· general surgery,

cardiothoracic surgery (heart and chest),
orthopaedics (bones and bone diseases),
haematology (blood diseases),
emergency surgery to replace blood loss from major accidents,
intensive care treatment,
renal surgery,
treatment of newborn babies and children, and
treatment involved with pregnancy and childbirth.

Blood transfusions using whole blood are no longer common in modern surgery, except in cases of massive blood loss. Instead, blood is often separated into its three main components; red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues of the body using a substance called haemoglobin. Transfusions of red blood cells are normally used to replace blood lost during surgery, or in cases of heavy bleeding inside the body (haemorrhage).

Red blood cells are also used to treat anaemia, a condition in which haemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Transfusions of red blood cells are sometimes needed when red cells break down in newborn babies, and to treat sickle cell disease.

Platelets are a component of the blood that help it to clot and prevent bleeding. If the number of platelets in your blood is low you may bruise easily and bleed heavily from even minor cuts or bruises. People with leukaemia, people who have had high doses of chemotherapy, and those who have had a bone marrow transplant commonly have low platelet counts and may need to have platelet transfusions.

Plasma is the fluid in the blood that carries the red blood cells. It also contains proteins and protective antibodies. Plasma transfusions may be given to women following childbirth, during cardiac surgery, and to reverse any anti-coagulant treatment. Plasma encourages the blood to clot and is sometimes given after massive transfusions, or to people with conditions such as liver disease, which affect the production of clotting agents.