Blood And Blood Products Transfusion
Overview
At our center, blood and blood product transfusions are a vital part of the care we provide to patients with blood cancers, immune disorders, and those undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT). These transfusions help replace blood cells lost due to disease or treatment, support recovery, and improve quality of life. We are committed to delivering transfusion services with the highest standards of safety, precision, and personalized care.
Types of Transfused Products
Red blood cells (RBCs)
Platelets
Plasma and cryoprecipitate
Indications of Blood Product Transfusion
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Transfusion
Symptomatic anemia: Fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, or heart failure.
Acute blood loss from surgery, trauma, or bleeding disorders.
Chronic conditions like cancer, bone marrow failure, or sickle cell disease during crises.
Platelet Transfusion
Prevent or treat bleeding in patients with low platelet counts due to chemotherapy, bone marrow failure, or other causes.
Support patients undergoing surgery or invasive procedures who have low platelets.
Manage platelet function disorders.
Fresh Frozen Plasma Transfusion
Correct coagulation factor deficiencies in bleeding patients or before surgery.
Reverse effects of blood thinners like warfarin in emergencies.
Support patients with conditions like liver disease or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
Cryoprecipitate Transfusion
Treat bleeding due to low fibrinogen levels.
Manage bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease when specific factor concentrates are unavailable.
High-Standard Practice in Transfusion
At our center, we adhere to rigorous protocols to ensure the safety and efficacy of blood product transfusions
Leukoreduction
All cellular blood components are leukoreduced to minimize the risk of febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reactions and reduce the risk of cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmission. This process involves filtering out white blood cells from the blood products.
Irradiation
To prevent transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GvHD), all blood products for immunocompromised patients are irradiated. This process inactivates T lymphocytes that could proliferate and cause severe complications.
Careful Monitoring
Patients receiving transfusions are monitored closely for any adverse reactions during and after the procedure. Vital signs are checked regularly, and any signs of transfusion reactions are promptly addressed.
Evidence-Based Guidelines
Our transfusion practices are guided by evidence-based protocols that consider the unique needs of patients, including transfusion thresholds, along with individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and treatment regimen. This personalized approach ensures optimal outcomes while minimizing the risks associated with transfusion.
Your Safety and Comfort Are Our Priority
Whether you need transfusions as part of cancer treatment, BMT, or management of blood disorders, our center is here to provide expert care in a compassionate environment. We understand that transfusions can be a critical and sometimes stressful part of treatment, and we strive to make the experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Single Donor Platelets (SDP)
Single donor platelets (SDP) are collected from a single donor through a process called apheresis, which allows for the collection of a larger volume of platelets compared to traditional methods that pool platelets from multiple donors. Our center focuses on single donor platelet collection, enabling us to supply high-quality platelet products for patients requiring transfusions. With the use of automated apheresis systems, we can gather platelets from a single donor in approximately 50 to 70 minutes. We follow stringent guidelines regarding donor eligibility and safety, ensuring that every donation complies with the highest standards of quality and effectiveness.
Advantages of Single Donor Platelets
- SDP minimizes the exposure to multiple donors, which can reduce the risk of alloimmunization, where the recipient’s immune system develops antibodies against transfused platelets. This is important for patients who require multiple transfusions.
- Platelets collected via apheresis tend to have better function and higher platelet counts compared to random donor platelets (RDP).
- The use of SDP has been associated with a decreased incidence of septic reactions due to bacterial contamination. This is crucial since platelets are often stored at room temperature, making them susceptible to bacterial growth.
- SDP allows for better selection of donors based on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) compatibility, which can be vital for patients with a history of transfusion reactions or those needing specific platelet types.
- Apheresis technology has improved, making it easier and more efficient to collect SDP.