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Why Would Someone Need a Blood Transfusion?

A blood transfusion is the process of transferring blood or blood-based components from one person to another. The blood travels from the plastic bag in which it is stored into the veins through an IV.

  1. Cancer Symptoms

    • Cancer patients often require blood transfusions from losing a great deal of blood from internal bleeding or lack of blood-making cells.

    Cancer Treatment

    • Cancer treatments radiation and/or chemotherapy can also cause a significant decrease of blood-making cells, requiring a blood transfusion to keep the number at a normal level.

    Anemia

    • People who have anemia have below-normal levels of iron-rich protein in the blood, which causes weakness and fatigue. Blood transfusions increase the amount of the iron-rich protein.

    Blood Loss

    • Blood transfusions are administered to patients who have lost a large amount of blood because of a serious accident, injury or surgery.

    Disease

    • Autoimmune disease and certain spleen disorders may require blood transfusions because they often destroy blood cells as well as bone marrow.

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