Blood management

A blood transfusion can be a life-saving procedure that is needed if you have severe anaemia (lack of red blood cells), sickle cell disease or have suffered severe blood loss from surgery, childbirth or a serious accident. It helps to replace some of the blood you’ve lost, or it can replace the red blood cells, plasma or platelets that are found in your blood.

Your GP or consultant will discuss the risks and complications associated with a blood transfusion. As part of your blood management programme they will also look at alternative options such as medicine to reduce bleeding before deciding if a blood transfusion is the best option for you

If your consultant advises that a blood transfusion is the best treatment option for you, you will be asked you to sign a consent form. You will also have a blood test to ensure you receive blood that is appropriate for your blood type.

During your blood transfusion you will be asked to sit down on a chair or lie on a bed. A needle that is connected to a tube and a bag of blood will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. The blood will then run into your arm, and it can take up to four hours for one bag of blood to be received.

As part of your blood management programme you will be checked on regularly during the blood transfusion to ensure that you are comfortable and don’t feel unwell. You may experience a sharp prick when the needle is inserted, and your hand or arm may ache afterwards.

After your blood transfusion, your healthcare team will assess your condition. Unless you are very unwell or have needed a large amount of blood, you will normally be able to go home soon after.