Blood transfusion

Blood transfusion is the taking of blood or blood-based products from one individual and inserting them into the circulatory system of another. It can be considered a form of organ transplant. Blood transfusions may treat medical conditions, such as massive blood loss due to trauma, surgery, shock and where the red cell producing mechanism (or some other normal and essential component) fails (see blood diseases).

Complications

Possible complications in the recipient include:

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• Febrile reactions
• Haemolytic reactions
• Allergic reactions
• Infection
• Fluid overload
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome