Posts Tagged ‘Blood Transfusion’

Understanding the Risks and Possible Side Effects of Anemia Blood Transfusions

Comments: 0December 11th, 2011 by admin



If you have Anemia, it is important that you understand the risks and possible side effects of anemia blood transfusions. Individuals that are determined to have too few red blood cells in the body are considered to be anemic. There are many severe cases that may result in complications associated with the breathing of an individual, as well as how their heart functions overall.

If a doctor determines that the total hemoglobin level in the body is at eight grams or less, they will typically recommend having an anemia blood transfusion. Here, you will learn about the potential complications that may result from that transfusion.

Allergic Reaction

While complications associated with an anemia blood transfusion are rare, they do occur. One of the most common reactions is an allergic reaction. The type of reaction occurs when the body views the new blood as a potential danger. There are many symptoms that may occur when this type of reaction is experienced. First, a rash may appear on the skin. Hives may occur too.

The individual suffering from this may also develop a fever, chills to the body, and even breathing complications. If this is going to be experienced, it is typically experienced right away. This means that doctors may address it quickly.

Immunity Complications

Many that receive Anemia blood transfusions may develop natural antibodies that will attempt to fight against the cells that are included in the blood being placed in the body. This means that once the transfusion is completed, it will not be effective at all.

Doctors that recognize this complication will work immediately to locate a donor that has more characteristics of the blood of the anemia patient than that of type alone. If you are being considered for a blood transfusion to address the issue of Anemia, it is important that you take the time to learn all about the possible side effects and the risks of such a procedure.

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Ways to Increase Hemoglobin Other Than Iron Pills

Comments: 0December 22nd, 2009 by admin



Low levels of hemoglobin can cause anemia. Hemoglobin or red blood cells carry oxygen through blood to all parts of the body. The characteristic symptoms of anemia include fatigue and breathlessness. A simple blood test can determine if you have low hemoglobin. Once the results are in proper treatment is important.

Treatment for Hemoglobin

Treatment for anemia depends upon the condition of blood in the body. A person needs a blood transfusion in case of substantial loss of blood as in case of an operation. While if the person is suffering from general weakness due to improper diet or illness, the treatment involves increasing the iron intake as iron is the main ingredient of hemoglobin.

Problem with Iron Supplements

Taking iron pills is the most common treatment of anemia. However, all of us can not absorb the high doses contained in those iron pills. In addition, these pills can cause stomach upset, constipation, and heartburn and can be toxic if taken in large doses. If a person has such problems with iron pills, doctors prescribe an iron-rich diet replenishes the lost hemoglobin.

Taking iron-rich diet

There are several commonly available food items, which contain significant doses of iron. It is important to include things like nuts, green leafy vegetables, beans, chicken, liver, Shell fish, beef, red meat, turkey, fish and pork in the daily food. In addition to intake of these iron-rich food items, it is recommended to curtail certain types of foods which block the absorption of iron in the body. These foods include tea, coffee, calcium-rich food like cheese, milk, chocolate, few medicines like antacid and phosphates. At the same time, increasing the intake of foods containing vitamin C, help increase the absorption of iron in the body.

Treating Anemia with herbs

Besides taking iron-rich diet, there are certain herbs which are very useful in treatment of anemia. Drinking liquid chlorophyll is a good way to increase hemoglobin. Chlorophyll has the same molecular structure as that of hemoglobin with a few differences. Though eating green leafy vegetables is good, you can add a few drops of liquid chlorophyll to your drinks.

One wonderful herb having loads of iron is Yellow Dock Root. You can include it in your diet either by cooking it or making an infusion. To prepare infusion, steep two teaspoons of the dried herb in 3 cups of water for few minutes and drink after it gets lukewarm.

Another rich source of iron is Blackstrap Molasses. However, in case of diabetes, it should be avoided as it is sugary. Nettle is one more herb which is rich in iron. One can drink its infusions regularly to increase hemoglobin levels in the blood. To prepare its infusion, mix an ounce of dried nettle herb in 4-5 cups of water and steep for several hours.
Level of hemoglobin determines the health of the body. Consistency in following the measures is the key to treat anemia.

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Blood Transfusions – What to Expect

Comments: 0August 29th, 2009 by admin



A blood transfusion is definitely not a pleasant thing, but as most procedures go, they aren’t that bad either. Why you are getting a blood transfusion can be a determining factor as to how easily the procedure will go.

I personally just had a blood transfusion because my hemoglobin was at 79 and my iron was at 2. Symptoms I personally felt from the anemia was tiredness, weakness, shaky legs and hands, heavy heart palpitations, a whooshing sound in my head that included my heartbeat and dizziness. I also had started to slur, my tongue felt like it was cut up and my lips had started to crack. I was very pale with deep dark circles under my eyes. These symptoms may not appear in all people, and you may need a blood transfusion for a reason other than severe anemia.

If going to the emergency department for severe anemia, expect that they will want to do blood tests. For those who are severely anemic, this may prove to be a problem. Severe anemia comes with the downfall of often having small, rolling and/or collapsing veins making blood tests a bit of a challenge. If they have to “dig” for the vein, this can be pretty painful and will leave awful bruising. Applying ice immediately to the area that the needle was inserted can significantly reduce bruising and swelling. Another hint I recently got from my doctor was to press down firmly on the area for a full five minutes once the needle has been removed, it may be painful but will reduce the bruising in the long run.

Once the blood tests are collected it takes approximately an hour for the lab to deliver results. From there the doctor will decide how much blood you need, what your blood type is and the match will be made for you. At this point, if it hasn’t already been done, an intravenous needle will be inserted most likely into your hand. The doctor may or may not start you on a saline drip. The previously mentioned issues with needles applies to the IV as well.

It can take several hours for the donor blood to arrive to your room. When it does arrive, two nurses will double check to make sure the blood matches the information on the work-order and your wrist band. This is to ensure you get the right blood.

Once the blood is hooked up to your IV, you are looking at approximately 2 hours per pint. If you have a heart condition this could take much longer. Because the blood is refrigerated, you may get a cool feeling in your hand and arm when it starts. A nurse will keep a close eye on you, especially during the first 15 minutes. He/she will be watching for a fever, a significant change in blood pressure and/or pulse. You will be asked questions about how you are feeling, any itching or shortness of breath amongst other things. The fever is usually tested with a normal thermometer under the tongue, a blood pressure cuff is used to check your blood pressure. The blood pressure cuff is uncomfortable as it squeezes the upper arm and then releases, but is not unbearable. Your pulse is taken by a little clamp loosely attached to your finger, it is not uncomfortable in the least. After the first 15 minutes the nurse will continue checking on you periodically.

If you are getting more than one pint of blood, expect it to take between 10 and 30 minutes between switching the bags. With every new bag of blood, the two nurses will again double check the codes and you will be monitored closely again for the first 15 minutes, then periodically afterward.

When all the pints of blood have been emptied, the tube going from the blood bag to your IV will be flushed with saline, which takes about 30 minutes if you are going through a bag every 2 hours. Once the tube is flushed, the nurse will remove the IV, and this is where you want to press hard on the area for 5 minutes. Now you can go home! You can drive yourself, there should be no after effects unless of course, like me you were severely anemic, at which point the only side effect is that you will feel much better.

I hope this basic rundown of a typical blood transfusion helps you understand what to expect in this situation and that you are now equipped with the knowledge to handle the situation with ease.

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Cord Blood Storage

Comments: 0March 28th, 2009 by admin



If you are pregnant or even thinking about starting a family, you have most likely come across the topic of cord blood storage. This is the act of saving your baby’s cord blood and cryogenically storing it, in the event that some day he or she might need a transfusion of their own stem cell rich cord blood. In many cases this negates the necessity of searching for a bone marrow donor to participate in a bone marrow transplant, for diseases like sickle cell anemia and other various childhood cancers, blood disorders, and immune deficiencies.

Although somewhat costly, this is a choice that many parents are making for their newborns, because of the very real possibility that stored umbilical cord blood may one day be the deciding factor in saving their child’s life. There isn’t much that parents won’t do, given the correct information, to protect and even save their child’s life.

So, how does cord blood storage work?

Well, the cord blood is collected immediately after the birth, through a collection kit that is sent by the cord blood bank to the hospital. Then, it is put into syringes or bags and sent via medical courier to the actual cord blood bank storage facility.

After it arrives at the facility itself, it is cryogenically frozen and stored indefinitely. Should the child that the cord blood belongs to ever have need of a cord blood transfusion, then the blood will be accessed and messengered to the hospital or transplant facility where the transfusion is taking place.

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