Blood Transfusion System Information
A blood transfusion is a procedure where you receive blood intravenously. You may need a transfusion due to blood loss from surgery, from an injury or because you have a disease or condition where your body does not produce enough blood. A blood transfusion system coordinates the activities related to transfusions and, ideally, maintains standards of quality and safety.
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World Health Organization
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The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that blood transfusion services should be managed nationally. Following established guidelines and standards makes the system cost-effective and safe, as well as assuring that an adequate blood supply is available.
National Blood Policy
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According to the WHO, a national blood policy should have continuous commitment and support from the government. The policy should be designed to meet the needs of the population, and staff should include a medical director and quality manager. Staff should be well qualified and trained with well-defined responsibilities. The budget allocation should be sufficient to sustain the system. A system of standards, guidelines, record keeping, standard operating procedures, monitoring and evaluating should be established.
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Blood Banks
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Blood banks are used to collect and store blood. They test the blood carefully for any possible infections or viruses and screen it to determine blood type and whether it is Rh-positive or negative. In some cases, blood banks remove the white blood cells prior to transfusion because some people are unable to tolerate the white cells. If you wish to store your own blood prior to a surgical procedure, you can have your blood drawn months ahead of time.
Types of Transfusions
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Several types of blood transfusions exist. You may receive the whole blood or only parts of it. Red blood cells are the most frequently used part for transfusions. This type is often used to replace blood following surgery or an injury, as well as cases of severe anemia (low red blood cells). For illnesses where your body does not produce sufficient platelets or clotting factors, you may need to receive transfusions of platelets and clotting factors on a regular basis. Plasma transfusions are given in cases of severe burns, severe infections and liver failure. Plasma replaces important needs such as proteins, vitamins, clotting factors, hormones, sodium, sugar, cholesterol, calcium and potassium.
Risks
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There are some risks associated with receiving a blood transfusion. Most problems are usually mild, but serious problems can take place. An allergic reaction, which may be mild or quite serious, includes symptoms of chest and/or back pain, breathing difficulties, anxiety, rapid pulse or low blood pressure, fever, chills, nausea, flushing, and clammy skin. You can receive infectious diseases or viruses through a blood transfusion, such as HIV, hepatitis or West Nile Virus. You may experience a fever during your transfusion or even within a day of receiving it. Frequent blood transfusions can result in an iron overload, which can result in damage to your heart, liver or other organs. Other problems that can occur include lung injury, acute immune hemolytic reaction (the blood type does not match yours) or a delayed hemolytic reaction, which occurs more slowly. A nationally coordinated blood transfusion system can be effective in controlling some of these problems.
American Red Cross
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The American Red Cross operates under the authority of a Board of Governors, which received its authority from Congress in 1905. In the United States, the American Red Cross is the major supplier of blood and blood products to citizens.
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References
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