Transfusion Medicine

Transfusion Medicine Hospital in Dhakuria

The transfusion medicine division of Manipal Hospitals upholds high standards for the provision of safe blood in adequate quantities to suit the demands of patients admitted to the hospital. Our blood transfusion wards provide facilities for donors to donate blood, and the blood banks to safely store the blood until needed. After collecting the blood, experts separate the blood into various components such as packed red cells, platelet concentrate, fresh frozen plasma, etc., and subject all of the donated blood to necessary tests.

Transfusion Medicine Specialist in Dhakuria

OUR STORY

Know About Us

Why Manipal?

At Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria, our team of medical professionals has tremendous experience in blood transfusion for major surgeries, including organ transplants, accidents or trauma care, cardiovascular surgery, routine transfusions for dialysis patients, ongoing transfusion support for individuals with chronic conditions like blood cancer, sickle cell anaemia, and so forth. It has a strong clinical presence backed by transfusion medicine specialists, and it regularly performs complex therapeutic procedures like stem cell harvesting and Cryopreservation, plasma exchanges, and so forth. With daily provisions for blood transfusions, the facility has established itself as one of the leading pioneer departments, prioritising exceptional care and setting the benchmark of excellence in transfusion medicine. Furthermore, the department organises or partners with other community groups to host blood donation campaigns, ensuring a steady and reliable blood supply for those in need around the state.

FAQ's

Who is eligible to donate blood, and what factors should I consider if I choose to donate blood?

For you to be eligible to donate blood, you must be in good health, be over the age of 18, weigh at least 45 kg, and meet criteria related to recent travel, medical history, and lifestyle choices. Some of the factors that are considered if you choose to donate blood include:

Meeting the minimum haemoglobin level, which should not be less than 12.5g/dl for both females and males.
Refraining from blood donation if you have experienced a cold, sore throat, or fever.
If you have performed ‘at-risk’ sexual activity within the past 12 months, or have a history of positive HIV tests, then you are ineligible for blood donation.
If you have undergone tattoo or body piercings, you must wait for 1 year to donate blood.
Donating blood every three months is considered safe.

It is essential to consult with a Transfusion Medicine consultant for precise eligibility requirements before deciding to donate blood.

What is the difference between blood donation and blood transfusion?

Blood donation is the act of donating blood voluntarily, where you donate 350-450 mL of blood for various medical procedures, while blood transfusion is a procedure where donated blood is transferred to an individual's bloodstream. The process is usually done to replace the blood lost during surgery, or injuries, or to treat certain conditions such as anaemia, blood cancers, and other bleeding disorders. Before receiving a transfusion, the donated blood is examined to identify the blood type as A, B, AB, or O, and whether it is Rh positive or negative. The donated blood used for the transfusion should match the recipient’s blood to ensure compatibility.

What is the procedure for blood transfusion?

The duration of a blood transfusion may take around one to four hours, depending on the specific components of blood needed and the volume required. During the procedure, a needle connected to an intravenous (IV) line is inserted into a blood vessel, and the donated blood flows through the recipient's bloodstream. The patient is positioned appropriately, either seated or lying down and is closely monitored by nurses and other medical professionals to check for vital signs or any adverse effects. The IV line and the needle are removed post-transfusion. Patients may experience mild discomfort or bruising near the needle site, which should typically resolve within a few days. It is essential to contact your specialist in case any symptoms or adverse events arise after the blood transfusion procedure.

What type of blood products can be transfused?

Blood component therapy involves administering either whole blood or specific blood components, allowing multiple patients to benefit from a single donation. The types of blood produced that are used for transfusion include:

Packed red blood cells (PRBCs): PRBCs transport oxygen and are administered to patients who have lost RBC due to various conditions
Platelets: Platelets play a significant role in preventing or stopping bleeding by forming a clot.
Fresh Frozen Plasma (FFP): FFP contains clotting factors to reduce bleeding from injury/illness.
Cryoprecipitate: Cryoprecipitate contains clotting factors, such as factor VIII and fibrinogen, to minimise blood loss and clotting.
Granulocytes: Granulocytes combat infections, are produced by apheresis, transfused within 24 hours.

What complicated risks can arise during blood transfusion?

Similar to complications in any medical procedure, blood transfusion procedures may carry certain risks, which include:

Infections, such as syphilis, hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and malaria
Non-infections, which include acute haemolytic reactions, transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI), and transfusion-associated graft versus host disease
Increased risk of arterial thrombosis, acute coronary syndrome, or thromboembolic disease
Hypothermia, shortness of breath, coagulopathy, hyperkalaemia, and so on, due to transfusion overload.
Transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM) due to immune activation or immune suppression, manifesting various conditions, including autoimmune diseases.

How safe is the process of receiving a Blood Transfusion?

Blood Transfusion procedures are generally considered safe due to the strict protocols and screening processes implemented to ensure the quality and compatibility of the donated blood. Rigorous testing, such as matching the recipient’s blood type, any presence of infections, and other assessments, is done at Manipal Hospitals before being used in transfusions. Transfusion specialists take the necessary precautions to minimise any risks and ensure patient safety during the procedure.

How do I schedule an appointment at Transfusion Medicine in Manipal Hospitals, Dhakuria?

To schedule an appointment at our Transfusion Medicine Department, you can contact us via phone or visit our website for online appointment booking.