Loading…
Logo Catalog

Blood Transfusion

Display this animation on your web site today! Click to find out how.
ID: ANH00016
MEDICAL ANIMATION TRANSCRIPT: Your doctor may recommend you receive a blood transfusion to treat your medical condition or to save your life. Your blood carries oxygen and nutrients to all of your tissues and removes carbon dioxide and other waste products from them. Blood also helps fight infection and heal wounds. Blood consists of a liquid portion and cellular components. The liquid, called plasma, is where nutrients, hormones, clotting factors, and other chemicals are dissolved. The cellular components are suspended in the plasma. They consist of red blood cells, which transport oxygen and carbon dioxide; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which are small subcells that help the blood to clot. Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, a soft tissue housed inside many of your bones. A blood transfusion uses donor blood to replenish red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, clotting factors, plasma, or whole blood. Circumstances that may require a blood transfusion include blood loss due to trauma, heart or other major surgery, organ transplants, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, severe anemia, including sickle cell anemia, treatment for leukemia or other types of cancer, disorders that destroy blood cells or bone marrow, or Rh-incompatibility in newborn babies. To begin the transfusion, an intravenous needle will be inserted into a vein in your hand or arm. A bag containing the donor blood will be hung nearby, and the blood will drip slowly through a tube attached to the IV needle, allowing it to run through your vein into your bloodstream. Throughout the transfusion, your temperature, heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure will be monitored. After the bag is empty, if you require more blood, another bag will be attached to the IV tube. When your transfusion is completed, the needle will be removed. After your transfusion, your doctor will monitor your vital signs to make sure you are not having an adverse reaction. If necessary, you may be given a diuretic to reduce any swelling or fluid retention.

Nucleus Medical Media Disclaimer of Medical and Legal Liability

Nucleus Medical Media ("Nucleus") does not dispense medical or legal advice, and the text, illustrations, photographs, animations and other information ("Content") available on this web site is for general information purposes only. As with any medical or legal issue, it is up to you to consult a physician or attorney for professional advice. YOU SHOULD NOT DISREGARD PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE BASED ON CONTENT CONTAINED ON THIS WEB SITE, NOR SHOULD YOU RELY ON THE CONTENT ON THIS WEB SITE IN PLACE OF PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL OR LEGAL ADVICE.

NUCLEUS DISCLAIMS ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR ANY COUNSEL, ADVICE, TREATMENT, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY MEDICAL, LEGAL OR OTHER INFORMATION, SERVICES OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN BASED ON VIEWING THE CONTENT OF THIS SITE. THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEB SITE SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED COMPLETE OR SUITABLE FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER.

Mature Content Disclaimer: Certain Content on this web site contains graphic depictions or descriptions of medical information, which may be offensive to some viewers. Nucleus, its licensors, and its suppliers disclaim all responsibility for such materials.

close