Patient Education: Blood Transfusion
Your doctor has ordered a blood transfusion for you as part of your medical treatment. Please talk to your doctor if you have any questions About the possible risks, benefits, side effects, and/or other treatments for low blood levels besides having a blood transfusion.
What is a blood transfusion?
It is when red blood cells collected from other people are given to patients with low blood levels. Low blood levels may be caused from accidents, surgery, in certain diseases or treatments. A transfusion can include red blood cells, platelets, and/or plasma.
What can I expect before and during my blood transfusion?
A nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature before the transfusion is started. Then, two nurses will check the blood before giving it to you. They will make sure you get blood that has been ordered for only you. They will give you the blood through a needle in your vein. A nurse will check your blood pressure, pulse, and temperature after the transfusion has been running for about 5 minutes. You will be checked again throughout the transfusion and again when the transfusion is over.
Most of the time, your blood transfusion will take about three hours. It could take a little longer or be a little shorter period a platelet transfusion usually takes about one hour.
What kind of reaction could I have to a blood transfusion?
Most people who have a blood transfusion have no problems at all. If a reaction happens, it usually starts when you are getting the blood. But, it can happen a day or even several weeks after the transfusion. Most of the time only minor reactions happen that may include fever, chills, itching, rash, and hives. These symptoms usually need little or no treatment. But, you need to tell your nurse right away if any of these things happen to you.
A life-threatening blood reaction is very rare. If any of these symptoms occur, your blood transfusion may need to be stopped:
- Severe back pain
- Fever/chills/shivering
- Trouble breathing/cough
- Nausea/vomiting
- Bleeding or skin discoloration
- Wheezing (trouble breathing)
- Fast heartbeat
- Jaundice or yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Headache
- Chest pain
- Cold, clammy skin
- Dark or reddish urine
- Rash/hives/itching
- Dizziness
What should I do after the blood transfusion?
Most of the time, you will feel Much better after a blood transfusion. Watch yourself over the next few weeks. If you have any of the listed symptoms, get help or tell someone right away. If you are in the hospital and you have any of these symptoms, tell your nurse or doctor right away. If you have been discharged (sent home) from the hospital, call your doctor right away. If you cannot reach your doctor, don’t wait. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department as soon as you can.
Always remember to let your doctor or nurse know if you have any questions or concerns about your blood transfusion. This information is not intended to replace the medical advice of your health care provider.