Blood Transfusions Flashcards
(21 cards)
What are the main reasons for blood transfusion?
Insufficient blood due to bleeding or failure of production
This includes excess rate of destruction.
What factors are considered in evaluating blood donors?
Health of donor, age, size, medication, other diseases, exposure to infectious agents
Includes sexual history, travel, tattoos, and prions.
Which infectious agents are blood donors screened for?
Hepatitis B/C/E, HIV, syphilis, HTLV, sometimes malaria, West Nile virus, Zika virus, CMV
What is the typical volume of red blood cells prescribed for transfusion?
Usually 450 mls from donor, approximately 10% of total blood volume
What are the indications for red cell transfusion?
- To correct severe acute anaemia
- To improve quality of life in patients with uncorrectable anaemia
- To prepare a patient for surgery
- To reverse damage caused by the patient’s own red cells
What is the storage temperature and shelf life of platelets?
Stored at ~22°C, shelf life 7 days
What are the indications for plasma transfusion?
- Massive haemorrhage
- DIC with bleeding
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
- Prophylactic for procedures
What are the two types of blood group antigens?
Proteins and sugars expressed on the cell surface
What is the role of the ABO gene in blood groups?
Encodes glycosyltransferase that adds glycans to proteins or lipids on red cells
What antibodies does a blood group A individual have?
Antibodies against B
True or False: Blood group O individuals have no antibodies against A or B.
False
What is the RhD blood group system?
Involves genotypes DD, Dd, dd and the potential for anti-RhD antibodies in RhD negative individuals
What is the purpose of the Coombs test?
To detect antibodies in blood; can be direct or indirect
Fill in the blank: The process of mixing patient plasma with donor red cells is called _______.
cross matching
What can cause haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN)?
Development of maternal Anti-D antibodies, especially from RhD+ cells
What is a prophylactic treatment for preventing HDN?
Anti-D immunoglobulin
What are the components of cellular therapies mentioned?
- Leucapheresis
- Stem cells for transplantation
- Lymphocytes for immunotherapy
- CAR-T cells
What is the storage condition for fresh frozen plasma?
Stored frozen, thawed before use
What is the typical transfusion time for platelets?
Transfuse over 20-30 minutes
What is the importance of blood group compatibility in transfusions?
To prevent transfusion reactions and ensure safe transfusions
What is the significance of the ‘Group and Screening’ process?
Checks ABO and RhD type against historical records and screens for allo-antibodies
