Blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which a person receives blood from a donor intravenously. This is usually done when a person’s body cannot produce enough blood on their own, such as losing blood in an accident, needing more during surgery, or if the patient has any blood-related disease.
What is the importance of blood transfusion?
Blood transfusions are essential when blood is lost during surgery or injury. Also, patients who have chronic conditions such as anemia or hemophilia and have blood clotting disorders may also require a blood transfusion. Only trained medical staff should perform blood transfusions. On the one hand, blood transfusions can be lifesaving, but on the other hand, there are also risks associated with blood transfusions, like allergic reactions, infection, and other complications. Only careful screening and monitoring can minimize the risks and ensure that blood transfusions are performed safely and effectively.
What are the safety concerns regarding blood transfusions?
Blood banks and healthcare providers take several precautions to minimize the risks associated with blood transfusions. These include thoroughly screening donated blood, carefully matching blood types between donors and recipients by adequately labeling the donor blood bags, and closely monitoring recipients for any signs of adverse reactions. However, despite taking these measures, blood transfusion is not guaranteed safe.
What are the risks and side effects of blood transfusions?
Blood transfusions may be considered safe, but the procedure has many potential side effects. Some possible risks and side effects of blood transfusion are:
- Allergic reaction
- Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction
- Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
- Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)
- Infections
- Iron overload
What is the blood screening and testing procedure?
The blood screening process for blood donors is a detailed process designed to ensure that donated blood is as safe. Below, a general overview of the steps involved in the screening process is given.
Donor eligibility determination
Before a person can donate blood, that person undergoes a series of eligibility checks to ensure that they meet the criteria for donation. This includes checking age, weight, medical history, and recent travel history.
Health history questionnaire
The donor is asked to complete a questionnaire about their medical history and other relevant details.
Mini-physical exam
A healthcare provider performs a physical examination of the donor. The health care provider also checks a person’s vitals to ensure the person is in good health.
Laboratory testing
After collection, the donated blood is subjected to laboratory tests for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. In addition, the donor’s blood type is also checked in the laboratory.
Donor notification
If any potential issues are identified during the screening process, the donor will be notified and advised not to donate blood. If the donated blood is found to be contaminated or unsuitable for transfusion, it will be discarded.
What is the testing process for blood donation?
The testing process for donated blood is a crucial step to ensure the safety of blood transfusions. The following are the steps involved in the testing process for donated blood:
Donor screening
The first step in testing is to screen potential blood donors. Donors are asked questions to determine their eligibility to donate blood, including questions about their health, medical history, and recent travel. Donors who are sorted as eligible are allowed to donate blood.
Sample taking
A sample is taken from the donor and then sorted as suitable. Sample testing tells about blood groups and other complications if present.
Testing for infectious diseases
The blood sample is tested for infectious diseases, including HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and West Nile virus. These tests
Testing of blood type
This step is designed to detect the presence of any antibodies or genetic material of microorganisms. The blood sample is also tested to determine the donor’s blood type. This ensures the donor’s blood is compatible with the recipient’s blood type.
Additional testing
Depending on the recipient’s needs, further testing is performed on the donor’s blood sample. For example, additional testing is needed to find a compatible donor if the recipient has a rare blood type.
Storage
Once the donated blood has been tested and sorted for use, it is stored in a blood bank until it is needed for a transfusion to prevent any spoilage.
What should be the safety measures in the place where blood donations happen?
Use of sterile equipment
All medical equipment used during the blood donation process, like needles, collection bags, and tubes, should be sterilized and used only once to prevent the transmission of infections.
Donor eligibility criteria
Blood donation centers should have strict eligibility criteria for donors in which donor age, weight, and health status are checked. Donors who do not meet set standards are not allowed to donate blood.
Trained staff
The staff at blood donation centers should be prepared to handle and take blood safely. Having trained staff also ensures that all donors are comfortable and safe throughout the donation process.
Confidentiality
Blood donation centers should have strict secrecy rules regarding donors’ personal information and medical history.
Regular testing and quality control
Blood banks should regularly test donated blood for infectious diseases and conduct quality control procedures to ensure blood is safe for transfusion.
Strict storage and transportation procedures
Blood products should be stored and transported under severe temperature-controlled conditions. It confirms their safety and efficacy.
What is the advancement in blood transfusion safety?
Over the years, there have been significant advancements in blood transfusion safety. Some of the key improvements are mentioned below.
Improved donor screening
Blood banks now use more sensitive and specific tests to examine donors’ blood for infectious diseases. This improvement has helped reduce the risk of transmitting infection through blood transfusions.
Automated blood processing
Automated blood processing technologies have also improved the safety and quality of blood components used for transfusions. These technologies play an essential role in helping to reduce the risk of human error and contamination during blood processing.
Molecular testing
Molecular testing techniques like nucleic acid testing (NAT) are now used to examine blood donation for viruses and other infectious agents. These tests are more sensitive than old examining methods and can detect viruses before other tests catch them.
Pathogen reduction technologies
Such tech uses UV light and chemicals to kill viruses and other pathogens in donated blood components.
Conclusion
Blood banks and healthcare facilities must follow guidelines and regulations to ensure blood transfusion safety. For example, donated blood must be screened for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis.
The compatibility between the donor’s and recipient’s blood groups should also be checked to prevent adverse reactions. Additionally, healthcare providers should monitor recipients for any signs during transfusion and after the procedure.
Potential complications of blood transfusion include allergic reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), hemolytic reactions, and infections.
Blood transfusions are an essential and lifesaving medical intervention in chronic conditions. However, the procedure’s safety can be improved through proper screening, testing, and monitoring of donated blood.
Dr. Irfan Siddique is a GMC-registered Medical Doctor with more than four years of post-graduation experience in child and adolescent healthcare. He has done his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Health and Sciences, Lahore. Afterward, he was positioned at Children’s Hospital, Faisalabad, where he ran Outpatient Department for four years. Currently, he is performing his duties as Medical Doctor at St. Barts Health NHS Trust, London.
