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INFORMATION ABOUT BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS Because your blood counts are low, your doctor has ordered a blood transfusion. This communication is provided to answer some of the questions that patients most frequently ask about having a transfusion. Transfusions are given in the outpatient clinic and take about 2-4 hours for each unit of blood. Since you will be in the clinic most of the day, wear comfortable clothing, bring your medications and a lunch. Be sure to take your regular medications before you come to the clinic. This is especially important if you take blood pressure, heart or water pills. Each time you have a transfusion, your blood is checked by a test called a type and crossmatch. The results of this test are used to match the blood you will receive with your own blood. Because these specimens are good for a limited number of days, you will need to have this test repeated each time you have blood. As with any treatment or procedure there are some risks to having a transfusion. Patients often ask about becoming infected with a virus when having a blood transfusion. Blood products are tested for many things including the viruses that cause HIV, and Hepatitis B and C. The chance of getting HIV from a unit of blood is 1 in 667,000, Hepatitis B,1 in 78,000 and Hepatitis C, 1 in 110,000. Current policy at Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital requires that a consent form be signed before receiving a transfusion. Your doctor or nurse will provide this form and will also be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. Ann
Arbor Hematology Oncology Associates, P.C. |