Transfusion

Definition

Transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood products from one person into another's circulatory system. It is crucial in managing blood loss and treating various medical conditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Transfusions can involve whole blood, red blood cells, platelets, plasma, or cryoprecipitate.
2. Compatibility between donor and recipient blood types is essential to prevent adverse reactions.
3. Crossmatching tests are performed before transfusions to ensure compatibility and prevent agglutination.
4. Transfusion reactions can include allergic reactions, hemolytic reactions, and febrile non-hemolytic reactions.
5. Blood components must be stored under specific conditions to maintain their viability and effectiveness.

Related terms

Agglutination:

The clumping of particles, often used in assays to detect antibodies or antigens.

Crossmatching: A laboratory test to determine compatibility between donor and recipient blood.

Hemolysis:

The destruction of red blood cells which can occur during incompatible transfusions.