Blood Transfusions Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is Whole Blood?
Transfusion of complete blood - plasma, RBCs, WBCs, platelets and anticoagulants
Used for sustaining life in significant blood loss
What are Packed Red Cells (PRBCs)?
Concentrated fluid of RBCs + plasma removed
Obtained through centrifugation of whole blood; used for chronic anaemia or acute blood loss
How are Platelet Rich Plasma obtained?
Low speed centrifugation
Used for treating thrombocytopaenia
What is Platelet Concentrate?
High-platelet concentrate
Obtained through high speed centrifugation; used for thrombocytopaenia, cancer/surgery/ITU patients
What is Fresh Frozen Plasma used for?
When the patient is deficient in clotting factors
Essential in managing bleeding disorders
What are Cell Saver Devices?
Devices that collect patient OWN blood during surgery then re-infuses it
Includes machines that wash blood and those that do not; reduce risk of blood borne infection
What is the first step in Warfarin Reversal?
STOP Warfarin, Followed by Vitamin K and Fresh Frozen Plasma
When should platelet transfusions be started in active bleeding?
When platelet count is <30 x 10^9/L + significant bleeding
Also for patients with a platelet count below 100 x 10^9/L and head trauma or life-threatening haemorrhage
What are the contraindications for platelet transfusions?
- Chronic bone marrow failure
- Autoimmune thrombocytopenia
- Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
These conditions can lead to ineffective transfusions or complications
What are the categories of blood product transfusion complications?
- Immunological
- Infective
- Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
- Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)
- Other: hyperkalaemia, iron overload, clotting
Understanding these complications is crucial for patient safety
What does the Coombs Test detect?
Antibodies that attack RBCs
Indicates haemolytic anaemia
What are the four blood types based on ABO antigens?
- Group A (A antigen)
- Group B (B antigen)
- Group AB (A+B antigen)
- Group O (no antigen)
Blood categorization is essential for safe transfusions
What is the universal donor blood type?
O NEG
O + can be given to men and women of non-child bearing potential
What antibodies does Group O produce?
- Anti-A
- Anti-B
- Anti-AB
Group O individuals can donate to any blood type but can only receive O blood
What determines the Rh blood group system?
The presence of the D antigen
Rh status is important for pregnancy and transfusions
What is the risk of Rh-negative women with an Rh-positive fetus?
Sensitisation leading to the production of anti-D antibodies
This can cause haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN) in subsequent pregnancies
What is the best practice for blood product compatibility?
Transfusion between identical ABO and Rh groups
Ensures safety and efficacy of blood transfusions
What is needed when screening for blood product compatibility?
X-match blood
Ensures that only compatible blood is transfused to the patient
What do PRBCs transfer during transfusion?
Only RBCs
Therefore, only antigens need to be compatible as antibodies are not present
What is the prophylatic treatment for Anti-D in pregnancy?
Treatment: Screening + Prophylactic ani-D (given at 28, after delivery and 72hrs of a sensitising event e.g. delivery/injury/miscarriage/TOP)
How do genetic work in blood group?
ABO Genetics:
* ABO genetics controlled by single ABO gene on chromosome nine
* A and B alleles (IA and IB) = co-dominant
* O allele (i) = recessive + non-functional
1. Group A: IAIA or IAi
2. Group B: IBIB or IBi
3. Group AB: IAIB
4. Group O: ii
