During a blood transfusion, new blood is introduced into the body. It may be needed after an accident, during surgery or as part of treating an illness.
What is a transfusion?
The blood used comes from people who have donated at blood centres across Sweden. All blood is tested and precautions are taken so that blood from a person with an infectious disease is never given to someone else. Both children and adults can receive transfusions.
Compatibility
- A can give to A and AB, and receive from A and O.
- B can give to B and AB, and receive from B and O.
- AB can give only to AB, but receive from all groups.
- O can give to all groups, but receive only from O.
About 85 % of the Swedish population are Rh positive. Rh positive blood can only be given to Rh positive recipients, while Rh negative blood can be given to both.
How long does it take?
A unit of red cells normally takes one to two hours, and haemoglobin usually rises by about 10 g/l per unit. A platelet transfusion often takes 30 minutes.