Transfusions

Question 1

What influences your decision to give a patient a whole blood transfusion?

Answer 1

(Clinical signs and the likelihood those clinical signs are caused by anemia)

Question 2

What is the difference between a major versus a minor cross match?

Answer 2

(Major → donor cells (antigen) vs recipient serum (antibodies); minor → recipient cells (antigen) vs donor serum (antibodies))

Question 3

In which species should blood typing always be done prior to a transfusion?

Answer 3

(Cats)

Question 4

You have a lower risk of transfusion associated circulatory overload (aka TACO) when you use what product for replacing missing red blood cells?

Answer 4

(Packed RBCs)

Question 5

What are the indications for giving a dogs or cat plasma?

Answer 5

(To replace missing clotting factors (anticoag rodenticide best example), as part of a massive transfusion with pRBCs (rare occurrence outside of specialty hospitals), and as a natural colloid (this is a maybe, not evidence based))

Question 6

What PE parameter is best to use for monitoring an anemic patient for their reaction to a blood transfusion?

Answer 6

(Heart rate)

Question 7

What should be monitored every 10-15 minutes while giving a transfusion?

Answer 7

(Temp, HR, RR, and for signs of allergic reaction)

Question 8

What is the purpose of performing a PCV/TS post-transfusion?

Answer 8

(To look at the serum and check for hemolysis or icterus)