Blood Transfusions: When and Why They're Needed

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What is the main reason for giving red cell transfusions?

To stop bone marrow from working properly

To replace blood loss during operations

To treat genetic conditions like sickle cell disease

To treat bleeding after an injury or delivering a baby (correct)

What is the function of haemoglobin in the body?

To stop bone marrow from working properly

To increase temperature after transfusion

To produce red cells and platelets

To transport oxygen around the body (correct)

What is the average time it takes for bone marrow to recover after chemotherapy or radiotherapy?

Several months

A few days

Up to a month (correct)

A week

What is the primary location where red cells and platelets are made?

The bone marrow Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common reaction to blood transfusions?

Increase in temperature Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate frequency of serious harm from blood transfusions?

One in 17,000 components Signup and view all the answers

What will be checked and recorded during a blood transfusion?

Pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and rate of breathing Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of haemoglobin in red blood cells?

To carry oxygen from the lungs to the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of a sudden drop in haemoglobin levels?

Immediate harm and potential need for a blood transfusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of platelets in the body?

To form a plug to stop bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of plasma transfusions?

To provide clotting factors when they are low Signup and view all the answers

What is the patient's role in ensuring safe blood transfusion?

To ensure correct identification information Signup and view all the answers

What is the rare complication that can occur after a transfusion?

Transmission of infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of screening blood donors before they donate?

To prevent transmission of infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated risk of developing antibodies to red blood cells if you receive more than one blood transfusion?

One patient in 300 Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason patients who have received a transfusion are not allowed to be donors?

To prevent transmission of infection Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of testing every blood donation for infections?

To prevent transmission of infection through transfusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the residual risk of infection through transfusion?

Lower than other transfusion complications Signup and view all the answers

What type of blood is required for some patients with cancer or receiving certain medication?

Irradiated blood Signup and view all the answers

How long must the IBTS and hospitals keep donor and transfusion records?

30 years Signup and view all the answers

What happens if a patient refuses a blood transfusion?

The patient's consultant will discuss the risks and benefits with them Signup and view all the answers

Who is at greater risk of doing poorly if they do not have a blood transfusion?

Patients with cardiovascular disease Signup and view all the answers

What are some hospitals developing to avoid blood transfusions?

Bloodless pathways Signup and view all the answers

How long is an 'archive' sample of blood from each donation held?

10 years Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate risk of getting Hepatitis B virus from a blood transfusion?

1 in 5 million donations Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate risk of getting HIV from a blood transfusion?

1 in 9 million donations Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate risk of getting Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion?

1 in 12 million donations Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of errors in blood transfusions?

Misidentification Signup and view all the answers

How many people died on Irish roads in 2020 for every 1 million people living in Ireland?

30 people Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the group that prepared this leaflet?

National Transfusion Advisory Group Signup and view all the answers