Blood transfusion Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, March 2009.
Answers to questions about blood transfusions
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What can I do to reduce my need for blood transfusion before having a planned operation?
- Are blood transfusions safe?
- How can I donate blood?
What can I do to reduce my need for blood transfusion before having a planned operation?
You should eat a well-balanced diet in the weeks before your operation and boost your iron levels. Warfarin and aspirin increase the amount of bleeding. If you are on warfarin and aspirin, you need to check with your surgeon if you can stop taking these before your operation.
Explanation
Your body needs a good supply of vitamins and minerals to work properly. Certain vitamins (such as vitamins B6, B12, C and folic acid) are essential for making new cells, including red blood cells. Iron is needed for making the oxygen-carrying pigment in your blood called haemoglobin. Your body can't make most vitamins apart from vitamin D, so you have to get them from the food you eat.
Certain medicines, such as aspirin and warfarin, can increase the amount of bleeding. If you take these, your surgeon may ask you to stop them before the operation. Always follow your surgeon's advice about taking your medicines before and after surgery. If you are unsure about taking your medicines, please contact your surgeon or the hospital.
Further information
- Food Standards Agency
www.eatwell.gov.uk - British Nutrition Foundation
- 020 7404 6504
www.nutrition.org.uk
Sources
- Vitamins. British Nutrition Foundation. www.nutrition.org.uk, accessed 16 May 2008
Are blood transfusions safe?
A blood transfusion is only given if it's essential. The biggest risk from having a blood transfusion is being given the wrong blood type. The risk of getting an infectious disease from a blood transfusion is very low.
Explanation
There is a risk that you may be given the wrong blood group. Often clerical error is to blame because the cross-match sample was taken from the wrong patient. To reduce the risk of this happening, your nurse or doctor will check your identity before taking the cross-match blood sample and will usually write your details onto the bottle immediately as he or she stands near your bed.
Your nurse or doctor will ask you for your name and date of birth and check the details on your identity bracelet again before you are given each bag of blood.
The risk of getting an infectious disease from a blood transfusion is very low because all blood donors are carefully selected and tested to make sure that the blood they donate is as safe as possible. All donated blood is tested for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV before it's available for use.
Further information
- National Blood Service
08457 711 711
www.blood.co.uk
Sources
- Proven D, Krentz A (eds). Oxford Handbook of Clinical and Laboratory Investigation. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004: 217
- Blood transfusion. The National Blood Service www.blood.co.uk, accessed 16 May 2008
How can I donate blood?
The National Blood Service holds regular blood donor sessions throughout the country. Visit their website to find out about sessions available in your local area.
Explanation
The blood donation process is much quicker and easier than you think. Remember to have something to eat and drink before you show up at a blood donor session.
When you get there, you will be asked to read a few leaflets and fill in a donor health check form. This is to make sure that you haven't been exposed to anything infectious and that it's safe for you to donate blood. A nurse will take a drop of blood from your finger to make sure you are not anaemic. If you get the all clear than you are ready to donate blood.
Usually you will be asked to lie down on a bed and a nurse will carefully look for a suitable vein in your arm. He or she may put a tourniquet around your upper arm to help the vein show up better. The skin surface is carefully cleaned and a needle is put into your vein. About a pint of your blood is collected into a collection pack. This usually takes about 10 minutes. You may be given a small soft ball to squeeze in your hand. The movement helps the blood flow in your vein and it's easier to collect.
You may have other people around you giving blood usually there aren't any screens between the beds. This helps the nurses keep an eye on all the blood donors. A nurse will usually check on you regularly. If you do feel dizzy, faint or sick let the nurse know immediately.
After you have given your blood, you will have a short rest before going to the refreshment area for a drink and biscuits. The whole process shouldn't take more than an hour.
Further information
- National Blood Service
08457 711 711
www.blood.co.uk
Sources
- What happens. The National Blood Service. www.blood.co.uk, accessed 16 May 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed Dr John Houghton, FRCP, FRCPath, Consultant Haematologist, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: March 2009.
Blood transfusion factsheet
Visit the blood transfusion factsheet for more information.
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