Blood transfusion - Preparing for a blood transfusion
- Introduction
- Why a blood transfusion is necessary
- Preparing for a blood transfusion
- How a blood transfusion is performed
- Risks of a blood transfusion
- 'I was losing blood faster than it could be transfused'
- 'I always tell myself there are plenty of people out there worse off'
If you're going to receive a blood transfusion as part of a planned course of treatment, the doctor in charge of your care will usually obtain your informed consent for the procedure.
Obtaining consent for a blood transfusion isn't legally required, although most healthcare professionals consider it to be best practice in terms of patient care.
In obtaining consent, your doctor will:
- explain the reasons why a blood transfusion is required and if there are any alternatives
- explain potential risks or complications associated with the transfusion
Once you've understood both these points, you'll be asked to give your permission for the transfusion to go ahead.
There may be circumstances when it's not possible to obtain consent before a transfusion. For example, if someone is unconscious after a major accident.
If you have religious objections to receiving a blood transfusion, you should carry a signed card explaining that you refuse to accept the use of all blood components under any circumstances.
Planned surgery
If you're going to have a surgical operation where a blood transfusion may be needed, you can take steps to reduce the chances of this happening. These include:
- eating a healthy, well-balanced diet in the weeks leading up to the operation
- increasing your iron level, which is particularly important if you have anaemia; your GP, consultant or nurse will be able to advise you further
If you're taking blood-thinning medication, such as aspirin or warfarin, you may be told to stop taking it for several days before having surgery. You must only stop taking medication under the direction of your GP or consultant.
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