Blood Transfusions

Blood donations are split into different parts and stored in special bags or bottles. You can then be given just the part that your body needs. The three main parts include:

• Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to tissues and organs
• Platelets, which help stop bleeding
• Plasma, which contains blood clotting factors (to help stop bleeding) and other proteins and antibodies

Australia has one of the safest blood supplies in the world but as with all medical procedures, a blood transfusion is not free from risk. 

The most common risks of transfusion include:

• Fever, chills, hives , or cold clammy skin
• Breathing difficulty, wheezing, cough
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps
• Diarrhoea
• Rash
• Dizziness
• Chest or back pain
• Fast heartbeat

Risks of transfusion which are very low include:

• Receiving blood that is not ‘matched’ to you
• Severe reactions, for example, allergy or acute lung injury
• Transmission of infection, for example, bacteria or viruses. Staff are trained to watch closely for reactions and to respond quickly

Reactions to a blood transfusion may not happen straight away, some can happen 14 days after transfusion. So please let you GP or Surgeon know if you become unwell in that timeframe.

• Blood is dripped into a vein, usually in your arm or hand, using a soft plastic tube
• How long it takes depends on your condition. In emergencies, it can be given as fast as your body will allow. Otherwise, depending on the type of transfusion it can take between 30mins to 4 hours, but never more than four hours
• Clinical staff will do strict checks of your identity when a blood sample is taken. Before a transfusion, strict checks of your name and date of birth are done again. Two staff members will do this with you. If you need to have more than one bag of blood, or type of blood product, staff will do these checks every time
  • It is important you wear your ID band and state your full name and date of birth when asked. This is to prevent you being given the wrong blood (meant for someone else)
  • Speak up if there is any problem when staff check your identity. Make sure that your details (including spelling) are 100% correct

Most people feel no different during a transfusion. Some may develop a mild fever, chills, or a rash — usually due to a minor reaction or allergy. These can often be managed with medication or by slowing down the transfusion.

Our staff will monitor you closely throughout the process, regularly checking your pulse, blood pressure, and temperature. If at any point you feel unwell, uneasy, or notice any new symptoms, please tell a nurse or doctor immediately.

It is important to keep a record of any blood products you receive and whether you experienced any reactions. This information may be requested at future hospital visits. Store it together with your other medical details, such as your medication list.

You will receive the Burnside Hospital Transfusion Patient Information, which includes a section for you to record this information for future reference.

Treatment is your choice, and you have the right to refuse it. However, it is important that you fully understand the consequences before making this decision.

If you have any reason for not accepting a blood transfusion, please discuss this with your doctor. You will be asked to complete a Refusal of Blood Transfusion form. This form, similar to a consent form; provides documented evidence that you have had the opportunity to discuss your decision with your doctor, understand the potential consequences, and consider any alternative treatments you may agree to.

• Why do I need a blood transfusion?
• Is there an alternative to blood transfusion? E.g. Iron Infusion or other
• What are the benefits and risks in my case? Are there other options?
• Anything you don’t understand, are concerned about, or want explained.

If you are having planned surgery:

• Is there anything I can do to reduce my need for blood transfusion?
• Am I starting out anaemic or low in iron and how can this be corrected?
• Is it possible to collect and return my blood that is lost during this operation?

You need to tell your doctor if you:

• Have any reason for not accepting a blood transfusion
• Have had a reaction or problem with a blood transfusion in the past
• Know that you have any special transfusion requirements or needs
• Are on any blood thinning medication (such as aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban), which can increase the amount of bleeding. If you are having surgery, ask your doctor whether these should stop before the operation and when. Please remember, for your safety, only your doctor can make this decision because the risks of stopping may be greater than the benefits.
• Are taking any other medications (including herbal) and those available over the counter (without prescription) as some of these can also thin the blood.

If you have any concerns, no matter how small you think they may be, please speak with your doctor, or the nurse / midwife caring for you.