What happens excess blood after transfusion?
Excess blood after transfusion is typically managed through a process known as blood volume management or fluid management. Here's what happens:
1. Monitoring: During and after a blood transfusion, healthcare professionals closely monitor the recipient's vital signs, fluid balance, and overall condition to assess the need for managing excess blood.
2. Immediate Redistribution: Initially, the transfused blood volume is distributed throughout the circulatory system, leading to an increase in blood volume. Some of the excess blood may be redistributed to interstitial spaces and tissues.
3. Diuresis: The body's natural response to increased blood volume is to increase urine output. This process is called diuresis. The kidneys filter out excess fluid and electrolytes, promoting the elimination of excess blood volume through urine.
4. Sodium and Fluid Restriction: To prevent fluid overload and potential complications, healthcare professionals may restrict the intake of sodium and fluids for a period after the transfusion. This helps control the body's fluid balance.
5. Diuretic Medications: In some cases, diuretic medications may be administered to enhance urine output and further promote the removal of excess fluid from the body.
6. Blood Withdrawal (Phlebotomy): In rare situations, if the excess blood volume is significant and causes symptoms, healthcare providers may perform phlebotomy, a procedure where a controlled amount of blood is withdrawn from the recipient to reduce the total blood volume.
7. Close Monitoring: Throughout the process, the recipient's condition, vital signs, fluid status, and laboratory values are closely monitored to ensure appropriate management of fluid balance and prevent potential complications related to excess blood volume.
It's important to note that blood transfusions are carefully monitored and managed by healthcare professionals to minimize the risk of excess blood volume and potential complications. The goal is to ensure the safe and effective use of blood products while maintaining the recipient's overall health and well-being.