BLOOD TRANSFUSION

The transfer of blood or blood products from one person (donor) into another person’s bloodstream (recipient). In most situations this is done as a life saving maneuver to replace blood cells or blood products lost through severe bleeding. Transfusion of your own blood (autologous) is the safest method but requires planning ahead and not all patients are eligible. Directed donor blood allows the patient to receive blood from known donors. Volunteer donor blood is usually readily available and when properly tested has a low incidence of adverse events. Blood conserving techniques are an important aspect of limiting transfusion requirements.