Blood Transfusion: Things You Should Know (Questions and Answers)

The book introduces blood transfusion as the transfer of red blood cells and other blood components through a vein. It outlines reasons for transfusion such as trauma, surgery, cancer, and renal failure, and explains the differences between homologous, autologous, and allogenic transfusions.

Key topics include antigens, antibodies, and the ABO blood group system, as well as the Rh factor and its role in compatibility. The book describes universal donors and recipients, crossmatching, and pre-transfusion testing.

Possible reactions are explained, including nausea, fever, chest pain, hemolytic reaction, anaphylaxis, transfusion-related acute lung injury, and circulatory overload. Complications such as septicemia, iron overload, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and graft versus host disease are also covered.

The functions of blood components are highlighted, including red blood cells for oxygen transport, white blood cells for immunity, plasma for fluid balance, and platelets for clotting. Related terms such as tachycardia, dyspnea, and oncotic pressure are also explained.

This book will interest students, healthcare workers, and general audiences who want to understand blood transfusion, its procedures, and the risks and precautions involved.