Blood Transfusion

1. What is the Indication of Blood Transfusion?

Blood transfusion is not given just because hemoglobin is low — it's based on how low it is, your symptoms, and your overall condition.
Indications include:

• Severe anemia (especially when Hb < 7 g/dL in most cases)

• Symptomatic anemia, even if Hb is slightly higher (dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain)

• Blood loss (from surgery, trauma, heavy bleeding)

• Chronic anemia with heart or kidney issues

• Hemoglobin <8 g/dL in patients with conditions like heart disease or undergoing surgery

2. What is the Normal Range for Hemoglobin (Hb)?

3. Contraindications of Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion should not be done if:

• Mild or moderate anemia with no symptoms (better treated with iron, folate, or other causes)

• Patient refuses blood (e.g., due to religious beliefs)

• No clear indication — unnecessary transfusion can be risky

• Severe allergic history or antibodies that make finding compatible blood difficult (unless life-threatening)

4. How Do I Know If the Healthcare Provider Follows Protocols?

Here’s what should happen if protocol is being followed:

• ✅ You’re assessed properly: vital signs, hemoglobin levels, symptoms

• ✅ Crossmatching is done (your blood type is matched with donor blood)

• ✅ You or your guardian give informed consent

• ✅ Blood bag is checked for expiry, name, blood type, unit number

• ✅ Vital signs (BP, temp, pulse) are monitored before, during, and after transfusion

• ✅ Blood is transfused over 2–4 hours (not rushed)

• ✅ You are observed for any reaction signs (itching, fever, chills, shortness of breath, etc.)

You can ask:
“Was my blood matched properly?”
“Will you monitor me during the transfusion?”
“Can I see the label to confirm my name and blood group?”

5. Complications of Blood Transfusion

Most transfusions are safe, but here are possible complications:

Early (within minutes to hours):

• Allergic reaction – itching, rash, fever

• Hemolytic reaction – body attacks the transfused blood (serious)

• Fever or chills (non-hemolytic reaction)

• Shortness of breath or chest pain

• Infections (very rare now — blood is screened for HIV, Hep B/C, etc.)

• Iron overload (if you get frequent transfusions)

Late (days to weeks):

• Antibody development against future transfusions

• Delayed hemolytic reactions

• Iron overload (especially in chronic transfusions)

   Final Thoughts for You as a Patient:

• If you are stable and your hemoglobin is not dangerously low, doctors may prefer treating the cause of your anemia (e.g., iron, folic acid, treating bleeding).

• Always ask questions and speak up — you have a right to be informed.

• If you're unsure, ask for a nurse or doctor to explain the risks and benefits clearly.