Our Services
A blood transfusion refers to the transfer of one person’s blood to another person.
A Blood Transfusion may be necessary when the patient has had severe blood loss or has a low haemoglobin level (red blood cell count). Such situations where a Blood Transfusion is required include:
The type of Blood Transfusion a patient requires is determined by their condition and the specific components lacking in their blood. The three main types of transfusion are:
When are Red Cell Transfusions required?
When are Platelet Transfusions required?
Platelets are required for the blood to clot. When the platelet count is low, there is an increased risk of bleeding. Patients may need a platelet transfusion to prevent excessive blood loss.
The common causes of low platelets include:
When are Plasma Transfusions required?
Plasma transfusions are usually recommended for the replacement of clotting factors to stop or prevent a severe bleeding episode. Some inherited disorders that affect the production or function of clotting factors may also require a plasma transfusion.
There are four common blood groups which are A, B, AB, and O, based on the ABO system of classification. The positive “+” or the negative “-” sign after the letters A, B, AB, or O indicates the presence or absence of the rhesus (RhD) antigen, respectively. It is important to check the blood groups of the recipient and donor before a Blood Transfusion to ensure blood group compatibility to prevent a condition called haemolysis which is when there is destruction of the red blood cells.
What happens before the Blood Transfusion?
What happens during the Blood Transfusion?
During the transfusion, your temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure will be monitored regularly. The nurse will also watch for the signs of an allergic reaction like skin rashes.
In most cases, patients do not feel any discomfort during a Blood Transfusion. Some patients develop a fever or chills. This can be managed by slowing down the transfusion or taking a dose of paracetamol.
What happens after a Blood Transfusion?
The haematologist may recommend some blood tests to check your response to the transfusion and assess the improvement in the blood cell counts.
You can go home one hour after the completion of the blood transfusion unless you have developed any signs of reaction. Your arm may ache and show mild bruising for a few days.
Do contact the doctor if you experience difficulty in breathing or chest pain within 24 hours after having a Blood Transfusion.
A Blood Transfusion is generally safe. In some cases, patients may develop a few side effects, such as:
A low-grade fever may occur during or within 6 to 8 hours of a Blood Transfusion. Patients can take a dose of paracetamol to reduce the temperature.
An itchy wheal may appear on the skin at the site of Blood Transfusion. It can be treated by using antihistamine drugs.
In rare cases, patients may develop a severe reaction resulting in the following adverse effects:
A severe allergic reaction may occur, resulting in difficulty in breathing and a sudden drop in blood pressure. If not treated immediately, it may lead to life-threatening complications.
This is a rare, life-threatening complication that may occur within 6 to 8 hours of a Blood Transfusion resulting in severe breathlessness.
This occurs due to the destruction of red cells by antibodies following transfusion of a mildly incompatible blood.
Infections like HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), and HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) due to the transfusion of blood from an infected donor. This is very rare nowadays due to the stringent checks by the local blood banks.
Some disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome and thalassaemia major need frequent Blood Transfusion over several years. These patients may develop iron overload which may result in damage to the heart, liver, and other vital organs. Iron chelation therapy that involves the removal of excess iron from the body can help to minimise the risk of such iron toxicity.
As Blood Transfusions carry some risks, it is advisable to minimise transfusions where possible.
Some patients with anaemia can be treated with iron or vitamin B12 supplements. Others may benefit from erythropoietin (a hormone which stimulates red cells production) injections. Patients who are at risk of bleeding may not require platelet or plasma infusions. Instead medication such as tranexamic acid may be used to reduced bleeding.
A Blood Transfusion may be required for certain conditions including:
Aplastic anaemia is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and damages the stem cells in its bone marrow. As a result, these damaged stem cells cannot produce blood cells properly and cause the bone marrow to be either empty (aplastic) or contain inadequate blood cells (hypoplastic).
In the majority of cases (75-80% of the time), the cause of aplastic anaemia is unknown (called idiopathic aplastic anaemia). There are causes that can trigger aplastic anaemia, including chemotherapy and radiation, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, and some viral infections.
There is a rare group of disorders known as bone marrow failure syndromes where aplastic anaemia can be sometimes passed down from one generation to the next.
Aplastic anaemia is a serious blood condition. If untreated, patients will suffer from the ongoing side effects of an ineffective bone marrow. Patients may require ongoing blood and platelet transfusions or experience recurrent infections and/or bleeding or easy bruising.
In severe cases of aplastic anaemia, the lack of early treatment is associated with a high risk of serious complications, including death.
Thalassaemia Minor: A person with the thalassaemia trait has a normal life expectancy.
Thalassaemia Major: Heart complications arising from thalassaemia major can make this condition fatal before the age of 30 years.
Thalassaemia Minor: In most cases, people with thalassaemia minor have no fitness or health issues.
Thalassaemia Major: Some people may have trouble participating in vigorous forms of exercise. However, many others with thalassaemia can participate in moderate physical activities, including biking, running, and walking. If a person with thalassaemia has problems with their joints, there are many types of low-impact exercises to choose from, including yoga, swimming, or water aerobics.
Low-risk MDS patients may not require any Blood Transfusions, and some subtypes of MDS patients with anaemia may respond well to medications that stimulate the production of red cells. There are also targeted drugs that improve the underlying MDS and boost the red cell count.
If you require transfusions, the frequency will vary between patients; some need transfusions every few months while others need one every couple of weeks. Very often, once a patient has started having regular Blood Transfusions, the length of time between transfusions will gradually get shorter.
For patients with intermediate to high risk MDS, the disease will gradually progress without treatment, eventually leading to acute leukaemia, a life-threatening condition.
Some patients with very low risk MDS, on the other hand, may not require treatment or may only require supportive care with Blood Transfusions.
The information on the Centre For Clinical Haematology website is intended for educational use. It should not be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional.
We partner with major insurance providers in Singapore to streamline the financial process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your recovery. Contact our team for more information and support.
The CFCH team is committed to providing patient-centred care and comprehensive multidisciplinary support through every stage of your journey with us.
During your initial consultation, you'll meet our doctors who will listen to your concerns and begin your evaluation and recommend the necessary investigations required.
After diagnosis, we will plan your care, tailoring treatment options to your unique needs for the optimal outcome.
Throughout your treatment journey, we will provide a supportive environment to closely monitor your progress, ensuring your comfort and adjusting care as needed.
After treatment, we will continue to support you with a holistic approach to your recovery, to ensure that both your physical and mental wellbeing are looked after.
