30 Questions
What is the main reason for giving red cell transfusions?
To treat bleeding after an injury or delivering a baby
What is the function of haemoglobin in the body?
To transport oxygen around the body
What is the average time it takes for bone marrow to recover after chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
Up to a month
What is the primary location where red cells and platelets are made?
The bone marrow
What is the most common reaction to blood transfusions?
Increase in temperature
What is the approximate frequency of serious harm from blood transfusions?
One in 17,000 components
What will be checked and recorded during a blood transfusion?
Pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and rate of breathing
What is the main function of haemoglobin in red blood cells?
To carry oxygen from the lungs to the body
What is a potential consequence of a sudden drop in haemoglobin levels?
Immediate harm and potential need for a blood transfusion
What is the primary function of platelets in the body?
To form a plug to stop bleeding
What is the purpose of plasma transfusions?
To provide clotting factors when they are low
What is the patient's role in ensuring safe blood transfusion?
To ensure correct identification information
What is the rare complication that can occur after a transfusion?
Transmission of infection
What is the purpose of screening blood donors before they donate?
To prevent transmission of infection
What is the estimated risk of developing antibodies to red blood cells if you receive more than one blood transfusion?
One patient in 300
What is the main reason patients who have received a transfusion are not allowed to be donors?
To prevent transmission of infection
What is the purpose of testing every blood donation for infections?
To prevent transmission of infection through transfusion
What is the residual risk of infection through transfusion?
Lower than other transfusion complications
What type of blood is required for some patients with cancer or receiving certain medication?
Irradiated blood
How long must the IBTS and hospitals keep donor and transfusion records?
30 years
What happens if a patient refuses a blood transfusion?
The patient's consultant will discuss the risks and benefits with them
Who is at greater risk of doing poorly if they do not have a blood transfusion?
Patients with cardiovascular disease
What are some hospitals developing to avoid blood transfusions?
Bloodless pathways
How long is an 'archive' sample of blood from each donation held?
10 years
What is the approximate risk of getting Hepatitis B virus from a blood transfusion?
1 in 5 million donations
What is the approximate risk of getting HIV from a blood transfusion?
1 in 9 million donations
What is the approximate risk of getting Hepatitis C from a blood transfusion?
1 in 12 million donations
What is the main cause of errors in blood transfusions?
Misidentification
How many people died on Irish roads in 2020 for every 1 million people living in Ireland?
30 people
What is the name of the group that prepared this leaflet?
National Transfusion Advisory Group
Learn about the importance of blood transfusions in saving lives, including when they're necessary after injuries, surgeries, or due to bone marrow disorders. Discover the role of red cell and platelet transfusions in replacing blood loss and supporting bone marrow function.
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