The parts of blood used in a transfusion depend on why the patient needs the transfusion. The two types of transfusion typically used for bone marrow failure bone marrow failure: A condition that occurs when the bone marrow stops making enough healthy blood cells. The most common of these rare diseases are aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Bone marrow failure can be acquired (begin any time in life) or can be… disease patients are:
- Red blood cell transfusion Red blood cell transfusion: A procedure in which packed red blood cells are given to a person through an intravenous (IV) line into the bloodstream. Transfused red blood cells increase the blood count and help improve symptoms of anemia. Before transfused blood is given, donated blood is typed and crossmatched to the…
- Platelet transfusion Platelet transfusion: A procedure in which platelets are given to a person through an intravenous (IV) line into the bloodstream. Platelets are more likely than red blood cells to cause an immune response, such as chills and fever. The use of platelets from one donor (apheresis) reduces the chance of reaction to…
More on Transfusions
Red Blood Cell Transfusions
Red cells carry oxygen from the lungs, on a substance called hemoglobin hemoglobin: A protein in the red blood cells. Hemoglobin picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. , to every part of the body. Hemoglobin is a protein that contains iron. Red blood cells also carry carbon dioxide out of the organs and tissues back to the lungs. Your lungs remove these waste products when you breathe out. Red blood cells are involved in more blood transfusions blood transfusions: A blood transfusion is a safe and common procedure. Most people who have a bone marrow failure disease like aplastic anemia, MDS or PNH will receive at least one blood transfusion. When you receive a blood transfusion, parts of blood from a donor are put into your bloodstream. This can help some… than any other part of the blood.
Platelet Transfusions
Platelets are bits of cells in the blood that help stop bleeding. People who don’t have enough platelets have a high risk of dangerous bleeding.
Each whole unit of blood has a small number of platelets. Platelets are collected through a process called apheresis. During apheresis, whole blood is taken from the donor. This blood is spun to separate the blood into its separate components. Only the needed component is collected. The rest of the blood is returned to the donor.
Plasma Transfusions
Blood cells float in plasma plasma: The fluid part of the blood. Plasma is mostly made of water with chemicals in it. These chemicals include proteins, hormones, minerals, and vitamins. , the clear, yellow part of blood. Plasma is 70% water. It contains factors that help form clots that help stop the bleeding when blood vessels are broken by an injury. Plasma also carries nutrients to tissues throughout the body.
Granulocyte Transfusions
Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell white blood cell: Cells in the body that fight disease and infection by attacking and killing germs. There are several types of white blood cells including neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Each type of cell fights a different kind of germ. Also called WBC, leukocyte. a body needs to fight bacterial and fungal infections. Some patients may have serious, life-threatening infections that do not respond to appropriate antibiotics antibiotics: The most common white blood cells are called neutrophils. They fight infection. Patients who don't have enough healthy neutrophils are said to have neutropenia. Because of their low white count, they may get infections easily and have trouble getting rid of infections. If you have neutropenia,… and they may have low levels of granulocytes. This may be due to their disease or treatment for their disease. These patients may require transfusions of granulocytes for a short time period to help fight their infections. Granulocytes are collected from donors using apheresis. As with platelets, it is best if a patient receives granulocytes from a donor of the same blood type.