Information about Blood Transfusions

Patients & Visitors

During the course of surgery, a patient may require a blood transfusion. This page contains information about the nature of blood transfusions, risks associated with them, and who to contact for more information.

What is a blood transfusion?
Why might I need a transfusion?
An explanation of blood components
Where does blood come from?
The risks involved in getting a transfusion
The risks involved in NOT getting a transfusion
Can I donate my own blood in preparation for surgery (for myself or for someone else)?
Who can I call if I have more questions?

What is a blood transfusion?

A blood transfusion is a medical procedure that gives you certain components or parts of blood that your body needs to stay healthy.You get a transfusion through a needle inserted in a vein. Blood transfusions may be needed with many major surgical operations and medical conditions. After looking closely at your condition, your doctor may decide that you need a transfusion as part of your overall therapy.

Why might I need a transfusion?

Blood products are used to raise the levels of blood components. You may need a transfusion:

If you have lost blood due to surgery, trauma, gastrointestinal (stomach) bleeding, or other conditions.
If you have lost more than 20% of your total blood volume.
If you are anemic (have a low red blood cell count) and the medicine you're taking is not helping.
If your platelets or clotting factors are low or not working properly.

An explanation of blood components

The main components of blood that may be given by transfusion are explained as follows.

Red blood cells: Their main job is to carry oxygen to the body's tissues and organs, which keep them healthy. You may need a red cell transfusion to increase oxygen. Although there is ongoing research into other ways to provide this oxygen, red blood cells are the only way we are sure of at this time.
Platelets: Platelets are small cells that prevent bleeding, or stop bleeding from getting worse. You may need a platelet transfusion if you do not have enough platelets or they do not work properly.
Plasma: Plasma contains many substances, such as proteins. These substances help fight infections and help the blood to clot.
Albumin: Albumin is a protein that comes from plasma. It may be used to restore fluids your body has lost.

Other blood components are sometimes needed, but only in special circumstances. Your doctor will discuss these with you if you are likely to need them.

Where does blood come from?

St. Michael's Hospital gets blood from volunteer donors. At this time, human blood is the only blood that can be used for transfusion.

Canada's blood supply is considered one of the safest in the world. The group responsible for collecting blood from donors is Canadian Blood Services (CBS).

CBS aims to protect both the person who donates the blood and the person who receives it, from diseases that can be spread by blood transfusion. Before the blood gets to you, CBS asks many questions and takes many precautions. For more information about blood transfusion safety, visit their website.

Before a transfusion, St. Michael's Hospital tests both the donor's blood and your blood to make sure your blood will not react badly to the donor blood. However, there is not test to find out if it will give you an allergic reaction.

The risks involved in getting a transfusion

The risk of infection, injury or death from having a transfusion is very small. Below is a list of possible complications:

Allergic reaction: these are usually mild and easy to resolve with treatment. Severe allergic reactions are rare.
Fever: a common reaction that is usually not severe and is easy to resolve with treatment. Tell your doctor if you have had a fever after transfusion in the past.
Hemolytic reactions: A condition that occurs if your blood destroys the red blood cells from the donor blood. These reactions can sometimes be severe and can cause bleeding or kidney failure. This is a rare condition because we are careful in handling the blood and test it carefully. These complications can be resolved with treatment.
Infectious diseases: All donor blood is carefully tested for infectious diseases, or diseases that can spread from person to person. The donors also have to answer details quesgtions to make sure they are suitable donors.

The risks involved in NOT getting a transfusion

If you lose too many red blood cells, your body does not get enough oxygen. This causes risk to vital organs such as the brain or heart. You may need a transfusion to prevent this type of damage. The timing and reason for needing a transfusion is different from person to person. The decision to give you blood will be based on your condition at the time. Our team of experts will weigh the risks and benefits before using blood for any reason.

Can I donate my own blood in preparation for surgery?

An autologous blood (patient's own blood) donation is possible, although not suitable for everyone. In order to be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Be in good physical condition.
Have enough red blood cells (hemoglobin).
Be referred to the program by your doctor.
Be a probable candidate for a transfusion while you are having surgery or in the Hospital.

Ask your doctor if this program is an option for you. If so, you can give your donation at a blood centre or at St. Michael's Hospital, within four weeks before your surgery. We'll ask you to sign a consent form. By signing, you permit the doctor to use regular donor blood if there is not enough of your blood to meet your needs during your hospitalization.

At this time, in Ontario, other than parent to child, it it not possible for people to donate blood specifically for their relatives or friends.

Who can I call if I have more questions?

Blood Transfusion Service: 416-864-5084
Transfusion Coordinator: 416-864-6060 Ext. 4055
Apheresis/Autologous Lab: 416-864-5614