Blood Transfusion

What is blood transfusion?

The main function of blood is to transport oxygen and nutrients to all parts of the body to keep it functioning. The average volume of blood in about 5 to 6 liters (10-12 water sachets).  Any considerable decrease in the quantity of blood in a person requires that he or she is given blood from another person. This process is referred to as blood transfusion. When you get a blood transfusion, you receive blood via an intravenous (IV) line. Blood transfusion is sometimes necessary after an injury or surgery causes a high amount of blood loss.

Some people need regular transfusion due to medical conditions such as sickle cell disease, severe infections, liver disease or cancer. This is called transfusion therapy. Donated blood is thoroughly screened for infectious agents and other factors that may put you at risk. Although serious complications can happen, the procedure is considered safe. Prior to any blood transfusion, laboratory tests must ensure that donor blood is compatible with yours.

What are blood types?

We have different blood types according to the antigens (substances that can trigger an immune response if they are foreign to the body) in our blood cells. There are four main blood groups: O, A, B, and AB. Some also have a substance called Rh factor in our red blood cells. Those who have it are Rh positive, and those who don’t are Rh negative. This is why you hear blood type referred to as O positive (O+) or B negative (B-). Blood also has components.

There is plasma, red blood cells which transport oxygen, white blood cells which fight infections and platelets which help blood clot. Some transfusions may require a specific component.

Risks and side effects

The immune system immediately attacks incompatible blood. One can get transfusion reaction following a transfusion. Symptoms are generally mild and may include; back or muscle pain, chills, fever, headache. When these symptoms happen weeks later it is called a delayed transfusion reaction.

What are alternatives to blood transfusion?

While there are currently no man-made alternatives for human blood, there are some drugs that can help do the job of some blood parts. Erythropoietin is a medicine that helps your body make more red blood cells. This can decrease the frequency of blood transfusions for people with chronic conditions requiring this procedure.

During surgery, surgeons can sometimes collect and reuse blood a person loses. This procedure is called auto-transfusion. This can also reduce the need for a blood transfusion from a donor. In spite of these alternatives, when there is the absolute need for a blood transfusion, nothing can replace a timely blood transfusion.

What is blood donation?

Blood donation means giving blood to be used to save the lives of another person who might be known to you or not. Before being allowed to give blood, brief medical screening is done to make sure the procedure is safe for you and the blood is safe for the recipient.

Who can give blood?

Blood always comes from donors. Blood donation is actively encouraged however to donate blood you need to meet the following criteria. One needs to:

• Be between the ages of 17 and 60
• Weigh 50kg or above
• Be in good health
• Have enough blood to give, hb of 12g/dl or above
• Have a good blood pressure

The term deferred is used when one is disqualified from giving blood. Deferrals may be temporary or permanent depending on the reason. For temporary deferrals, prospective donors are counseled on what to do and when to return. For example, one may be deferred on account of low Hb and be asked to return when Hb is higher. A lady on her period may be asked to return when her period is over. People may also be deferred on account of new piercings or new tattoos.

Some people are disqualified from donating blood due to conditions which may make the blood donation unsafe for the themselves (the donor), or the recipient. Such conditions may be:

• Kidney or heart failure
• Use of illicit drugs
• Sickle cell disease e.g. SS, SC, SE
• Complications of diabetes or on insulin
• Tested positive for HIV
• Tested positive for Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
• Homosexual relationships

What are some misconceptions about blood transfusion & blood donation?

Blood donation takes a long time. The whole process should not take more than an hour, and the donation itself is over in 25minutes.

Blood donation is painful. The only discomfort is from the prick of a needle; the rest of the process is pain free.

I have donated blood before so that’s it. Men can give blood every 3 months and women can give blood every 4 months. Donation up to 3 times a year is allowed provided the person satisfies the medical screening.

Can donation be compulsory? In Ghana every pregnant woman is required to have a donation done in her name regardless of chosen mode of delivery.