Blood Transfusion in Surgery, AIDS and Hepatitis B
- Definition
Blood transfusion is the transfer of whole blood or components (RBCs, plasma, platelets) into the patient’s circulation.
It is a form of tissue transplantation, used for:
- Acute blood loss ± shock (hypovolemic)
- Severe anemia
- Coagulopathies
- Support in oncology, hematology, and toxicology cases
Historical Milestones
- Hippocrates – suggested drinking blood
- W. Harvey (1628) – discovered blood circulation
- Landsteiner (1900) – discovered ABO blood groups
- Blood Group Systems
Important: IgM antibodies cause hemolysis if incompatible blood is given → potentially fatal intravascular hemolysis.
Rh System
Rh+ → Has D antigen
Rh– → Lacks D antigen (but may form antibodies if exposed)
Clinical point: Rh- individuals must be given Rh- blood to prevent sensitization.
Blood Typing & Crossmatching
- ABO typing:
- Blood sample + known anti- A, anti- B sera
- Agglutination = antigen present
- Rh typing:
- Blood sample + anti- D serum at 37°C → look for agglutination
- Crossmatch:
- Mix donor RBCs with recipient serum to test compatibility
- Includes “biological test”: transfuse 15 mL slowly, monitor for reaction
Routes of Transfusion
Intravenous (most common)
Intra- arterial
Intraosseous
Intradural
- Types of Blood Transfusions (by source)