Your doctor will weigh the risks of giving you a blood transfusion against the risks of not doing one. The decision to give a patient a blood transfusion is made only after careful consideration.
Find out when you might need a blood transfusion.
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The risks of a transfusion
Overall, a blood transfusion is very safe. Only donated blood that matches your blood is used.
However, there is a small risk of complications such as catching an infection, having an allergic reaction to the donated blood or being given blood of the wrong blood group. Fortunately, severe reactions to blood donations are very rare. Hospital staff are also trained to recognize and manage such reactions.
The most dangerous infections that can be spread through a blood transfusion are hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.
The risks of catching hepatitis or HIV through a blood transfusion are very minute, and our infection rates are similar to that of the US and Canada:
- About one in 205,000 blood transfusions transmits hepatitis B;
- One in 1,935,000 blood transfusions transmits hepatitis C; and
- One in 2,135,000 transfusions transmits HIV.
(Above figures courtesy of the American Red Cross)
Many precautions are taken to ensure that blood transfusions are as safe as possible:
- All blood donors are unpaid, altruistic volunteers;
- The health of donors is carefully screened via a set of personal health questions to help rule out anyone who may pass on an infection;
- Every donor is vigorously tested for certain infections each time they give blood;
- Any unit of donated blood that fails these tests is discarded; and
- The testing process is checked regularly to ensure that it meets very high standards.
In addition, hospital staff will make careful identification checks before a transfusion to ensure that you receive the right blood. You will also be regularly monitored during your transfusion to make sure you are well.
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Alternatives to blood transfusion
For some conditions, there are safer options available.
For example, most people cope well with mild to moderate amounts of blood loss, or with mild anaemia. A blood transfusion may not be necessary. Instead, the lost fluid can be replaced with a salt solution, while the body will regenerate new red blood cells to replace what is lost. Iron supplements can also be taken to aid recovery, as iron is an important raw material in the production of red cells.
Those going for elective surgery can also consider an Autologous Blood Transfusion.
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What happens during a blood transfusion?
The blood is dripped directly into a vein in your hand or arm using a needle. It takes an average of 2-4 hours to transfuse one bag of blood.
Some people, however, might develop a slight fever, chills or a rash. These symptoms are usually due to a mild immune reaction or allergy. Fortunately, they are easily treated with medication or by giving the blood more slowly.
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