Transfusion Therapy
Transfusion therapy involves the administration of blood or blood components to restore essential physiological balance. It supports patients whose blood levels are affected by cancer, chemotherapy, or bone marrow disorders. This therapy can include red blood cells, platelets, plasma, or cryoprecipitates.
How It Works
Transfused blood components help improve oxygen delivery, clotting ability, and overall health. They are carefully matched to the patient’s blood type and screened for safety.
Subtypes of therapy
- Red Blood Cell Transfusion: Corrects anemia and restores oxygen capacity.
- Platelet Transfusion: Prevents or treats bleeding due to low platelet counts.
- Plasma Transfusion: Replaces clotting factors and supports coagulation.
- Cryoprecipitate: Provides concentrated fibrinogen and clotting proteins.
Conditions Treated
- Anemia due to chemotherapy or bone marrow suppression
- Leukemia or aplastic anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Bleeding disorders
Benefits of Transfusion Therapy
- Stabilizes blood parameters
- Improves energy levels and reduces fatigue
- Enables continuation of cancer treatment
- Manages life-threatening bleeding
Downsides / Risks
- Possible allergic or transfusion reactions
- Transmission risk (minimized by screening)
- Iron overload with repeated transfusions
Precautions
- Cross-matching and compatibility testing before every transfusion
- Monitoring for fever, rash, or breathing difficulties
- Adequate hydration to prevent complications
Post-Treatment Care
- Rest after transfusion
- Regular hemoglobin and platelet checks
- Follow-up visits for iron management
Precautions while taking the chemotherapy
- After therapy, stay away from bodily fluid contact.
- Avoid going over your limits.
- Keep an infection at bay.
- If possible, use a separate toilet or sit down when using the toilet to lessen the danger of liquids splashing.
Instead of hand washing, use a washing machine, warm water, and laundry detergent to clean your clothes, fabrics, and beds. - Separately from other objects, wash any material that has been exposed to bodily fluids.
Hands should be washed with warm water and soap, then dried with paper towels
Post-chemotherapy Care
Follow-up care is crucial after treatment. This includes managing long-term side effects and monitoring for new ones through regular physical exams and diagnostic tests.
- Avoid contact with bodily fluids post-treatment.
- Don’t overexert yourself.
- Prevent infections.
- Use a separate toilet if possible, or sit down to avoid splashing.
- Use a washing machine for clothes exposed to bodily fluids.
- Wash hands with warm water and soap, dry with paper towels.
Do’s during treatment
- Stay hydrated.
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Use sunscreen when outdoors.
Dont’s During the Treatment
- Avoid large meals.
- Stay away from people with infections.
- Don’t eat raw or undercooked food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to Your Questions: Navigate Our Frequently Asked Questions Section
Is transfusion therapy safe?
Yes. All blood components are rigorously tested and matched before administration.
How often will I need transfusions?
It depends on your disease type, treatment response, and blood counts.