What is packed red blood cell mean?

Packed red blood cells (PRBCs), also known as packed red cells, are a blood product that consists of red blood cells (RBCs) that have been separated from the plasma and white blood cells. PRBCs are used in blood transfusions to increase the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and organs of the body. When a person loses a significant amount of blood, they may need a blood transfusion to replace the lost red blood cells and restore their oxygen-carrying capacity. PRBCs are a concentrated form of red blood cells that can be quickly and easily transfused into a patient.

PRBCs are prepared by collecting whole blood from a donor and then separating the red blood cells from the plasma and white blood cells. The plasma and white blood cells are discarded, and the red blood cells are suspended in a saline solution. PRBCs are then stored at a cold temperature until they are needed for a transfusion.

PRBCs are typically transfused in units of 1 pint (450 ml). The number of units that a patient needs will depend on their condition and the severity of their blood loss. PRBCs are typically transfused over a period of several hours.

PRBC transfusions are a safe and effective way to treat blood loss. However, there are some potential risks associated with PRBC transfusions, including:

* Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI): This is a rare but serious complication of PRBC transfusions that can occur when antibodies in the donor's plasma react with antigens on the recipient's lung cells. TRALI can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and fever.

* Hemolytic transfusion reaction: This is a rare but serious complication of PRBC transfusions that can occur when the recipient's immune system attacks the donor's red blood cells. Hemolytic transfusion reactions can cause fever, chills, and back pain.

* Transfusion-transmitted infections: This is a rare but serious complication of PRBC transfusions that can occur when the donor's blood is infected with a virus or bacteria. Transfusion-transmitted infections can include HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

The risks of PRBC transfusions are outweighed by the benefits for most patients. PRBC transfusions are a life-saving treatment for people who have lost a significant amount of blood.