Blood transfusion

A blood transfusion can replace blood you've lost, or just replace the liquid or cells found in blood (such as red blood cells, plasma or cells called platelets).

Ask your doctor or nurse why they think you might need a transfusion if you're not sure.

What happens

Before having a blood transfusion, the procedure will be explained to you and you'll be asked to sign a consent form.

During a blood transfusion:

1. You sit or lie down in a chair or bed.
2. A needle is inserted into a vein in your arm or hand.
3. The needle is connected to a tube and a bag of blood.
4. The blood runs through the tube into your vein.

It can take up to 4 hours to receive 1 bag of blood, but it's usually faster than this.

You can normally go home soon after, unless you are seriously unwell or needed a lot of blood.

How you might feel during and after

You might feel a sharp prick when the needle is first inserted into your vein, but you shouldn't feel anything during the transfusion.

You'll be checked regularly while receiving the blood. Tell a member of staff if you feel unwell or uncomfortable.

Some people develop a temperature, chills or a rash. This is usually treated with paracetamol or by slowing down the transfusion.

Your arm or hand may ache and have a bruise for a few days after.

Contact your GP if you feel unwell within 24 hours of having a blood transfusion, especially if you have difficulty breathing or pain in your chest or back.

Risks

Blood transfusions are common and very safe procedures.

There is a very small risk of complications such as:

• an allergic reaction to the donor blood
• a problem with your heart, lungs or immune system (the body's defence against illness and infection)

The risks will be explained before having a transfusion, unless this isn't possible – for example, if you need an emergency transfusion. Speak to your doctor or nurse if you have any concerns.

Giving blood afterwards

Currently, you can't give blood if you've had a blood transfusion.