Transfusion therapy

Jean Ruddell2 minutes read

Transfusion therapy is used for anemia, blood loss, and coagulation issues with specific blood components required for unique needs. Different blood products like red blood cells, platelets, plasma, and factor concentrates are used based on patient conditions and compatibility tests are essential for safe transfusions to prevent adverse reactions.

Insights

  • Transfusion therapy is primarily used for inadequate oxygen carrying capacity due to anemia or blood loss, and insufficient coagulation proteins or platelets for hemostasis, with specific blood components tailored to unique needs.
  • Type and Screen tests are crucial for determining blood compatibility, allowing for rapid Cross Match if needed for transfusion, while positive antibody screens necessitate identification before selecting compatible units, showcasing the importance of precise matching in transfusion therapy.

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Recent questions

  • What is the purpose of platelet transfusions?

    Platelet transfusions are used for patients with low platelet counts, as low as below 10,000 per microliter, to prevent spontaneous bleeding. Platelets are essential for proper blood clotting, and transfusions help maintain hemostasis in individuals with platelet deficiencies.

  • When is plasma used in transfusion therapy?

    Plasma is used for coagulation deficiencies, providing essential clotting factors for proper blood clotting. Fresh frozen plasma, frozen within eight hours of collection, and plasma frozen within 24 hours are utilized based on specific coagulation needs in patients.

  • What are the indications for red cell transfusions?

    Red cell transfusions are indicated for patients needing an increase in Red Cell Mass to improve oxygen carrying capacity. Symptoms like increased heart rate, dizziness, and weakness signal the need for red cell transfusions to address anemia or blood loss.

  • What are the benefits of autologous transfusions?

    Autologous transfusions, such as pre-depositing blood before a procedure or intraoperative hemodilution, reduce transfusion risks and the transmission of infectious diseases. These methods allow patients to receive their own blood, minimizing the potential for adverse reactions.

  • Why are Type and Screen tests crucial in transfusion therapy?

    Type and Screen tests are essential in determining blood compatibility before transfusions. A negative result allows for a rapid Cross Match if needed, while positive antibody screens require identification to select compatible units for safe and effective transfusions.

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Summary

00:00

Blood Transfusion Therapy for Various Conditions

  • Transfusion therapy is primarily used for two conditions: inadequate oxygen carrying capacity due to anemia or blood loss, and insufficient coagulation proteins or platelets for hemostasis.
  • Specific blood components are required for unique needs, with whole blood used to replace both red blood cells and plasma volume in rapidly bleeding patients.
  • Contraindications for whole blood include chronic anemia with normal blood volume, as volume overload can strain the heart.
  • Red cell transfusions are indicated for patients needing an increase in Red Cell Mass for improved oxygen carrying capacity, with symptoms like increased heart rate, dizziness, and weakness signaling the need.
  • Packed red blood cells should increase hemoglobin by one gram per deciliter or hematocrit by three percent per unit.
  • Leukocyte-reduced red blood cells and platelets are used to prevent transfusion reactions and graft versus host disease.
  • Platelet transfusions are indicated for patients with low platelet counts, with spontaneous bleeding possible below 10,000 per microliter.
  • Plasma is used for coagulation deficiencies, with fresh frozen plasma frozen within eight hours and plasma 24 within 24 hours of collection.
  • Cryoprecipitate is used for hyperfibrinogenemia, with specific requirements for fibrinogen content and factor VIII per unit.
  • Factor concentrates are used for various coagulation deficiencies, with specific treatments for hemophilia A and B, and the need for irradiated cellular blood components to prevent graft versus host disease.

15:48

Blood Compatibility and Transfusion Considerations

  • Type and Screen tests are crucial in determining blood compatibility, with a negative result allowing for rapid Cross Match if needed for transfusion. Positive antibody screens require identification before selecting compatible units for transfusion.
  • Autologous transfusions, like pre-depositing blood before a procedure or intraoperative hemodilution, reduce transfusion risks and infectious disease transmission. Intraoperative blood salvage collects and returns lost blood during surgery to the patient.
  • Emergency transfusions are necessary for patients losing over 20% of their blood volume, often receiving group O Negative or O Positive blood. Massive transfusions, replacing multiple blood volumes, can impact clinical status significantly, requiring careful blood type selection and monitoring for complications.
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