23^rd World Hematology Congress

Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion is the process of receiving whole blood or blood products into one’s systemic circulation intravenously. Transfusion may include injection of whole blood or components such as red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, platelets or clotting factors. Blood transfusion is usually done in cases of deficiencies, to increase the oxygen saturation, during accidents or during surgery, to treat hematologic conditions such as severe anaemia, leukaemia, and sickle cell disease. Blood transfusion may also be associated with various complications including infections, immunological disorders such as haemolysis or incompatibilities. Hence a very systematic protocol is followed for blood transfusion which includes processing and testing the donor’s blood for possible infectious disorders, particularly for viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and West Nile Virus., compatibility testing and hemovigilance.. The system should include monitoring, identification, reporting, investigation and analysis of adverse events near-misses and reactions related to transfusion and manufacturing. Research and advances in this area of Haematology is hence considered a very important aspect.

• Febrile reactions.
• Graft versus Host disease (GVHD).
• Compatibility testing.
• Autologous blood.