Blood is composed of formed elements suspended in a fluid extracellular matrix called blood plasma. Having a healthy supply of blood is important to your overall health. In this way, blood helps maintain stable internal environmental conditions. Blood carries oxygen and other nutrients to your body’s organs and tissues. Blood transports a variety of materials between interior body cells and those that exchange substances with the external environment. The heart pumps blood through a network of arteries and veins throughout the body.
Human T-lymphotropic viruses (HTLV-1 and HTLV-2) - Rare viruses that cause diseases of the blood or nerves.īlood has many vital jobs.
All donated units of blood are tested for evidence of viral or bacterial infections transmitted by blood: Removing these cells makes allergic reactions less likely.Īll blood transfused must meet the donor eligibility requirements established by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Association of Blood Banks. Although rare, some people are allergic to white blood cells in donated blood. This process is called white cell or leukocyte reduction. To prepare blood for a transfusion, some blood banks remove white blood cells. That’s why blood banks are very careful when they test the blood. Getting a blood type that doesn’t work with your own blood type will make you very sick. They carefully screen all donated blood for possible infectious agents, such as viruses, that could make you sick.īlood bank staff also screen each blood donation to find out whether it’s type A, B, AB, or O and whether it’s Rh-positive or Rh-negative. Blood Banksīlood banks collect, test, and store blood. Various factors, such as donation constraints due to your medical condition, urgency, or lack of donors, may necessitate the use of this blood source. Allogenic blood donation is available from the general blood supply (volunteer blood donation) and may be ordered for your needs by your physician. Designated donation means to receive others’ blood, such as family or friends. Ask your physician if you are able to self-donate. You may be able to donate for yourself, even if you are ineligible for allogeneic donation. People of almost any age can donate for themselves, especially prior to surgery or a medical procedure. This is normally the safest blood to receive. What is autologous blood donation?Īutologous blood donation means to receive your own blood. The procedure usually takes 1 to 4 hours to receive 1 bag of blood. The time depends on how much blood you need and what part of the blood you receive. Through this line, you receive healthy blood. How long does a blood transfusion take?ĭuring a blood transfusion, a small needle is used to insert an IV line into one of your blood vessels. Each year, almost 5 million Americans need a blood transfusion. A transfusion also may be done if your body can’t make blood properly because of an illness.īlood transfusions are very common. An average-size adult has a blood volume of about 5 liters (5.3 quarts), 4–5 liters in a female and 5–6 liters in a male.īlood transfusions are done to replace blood lost during surgery or due to a serious injury.
A blood transfusion can be life-saving!īlood volume varies with body size, percent adipose tissue, and changes in fluid and electrolyte concentrations. A blood bank will store your blood for your use.Ī blood transfusion is a very safe and common procedure in which blood is given to you through an intravenous (IV) line in one of your blood vessels. If you choose to use your own blood, you will need to have blood drawn one or more times prior to the surgery. If it’s surgery that you’re able to schedule months in advance, your doctor may ask whether you would like to use your own blood, rather than donated blood. If you’re going to have surgery, you may need a blood transfusion because of blood loss during the operation.
Transfusion Associated Circulatory Overload.Transfusion-Related Acute Lung Injury (TRALI).Blood transfusion risks and side effects.Platelets and Clotting Factor Transfusions.Autologous Blood Donation (Your own Blood).Directed Donor Blood From a Family Member or Friend.Blood From the Public (Volunteer Blood Donation).Dietary Factors Affecting Red Blood Cell Production.Plasma, platelets, cryo, and blood type.How long does a blood transfusion take?.