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Blood Transfusion and Donation
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Blood Heart Circulation

Blood Transfusion and Donation

Millions of people receive life-saving blood transfusions annually, a procedure where patients receive whole blood or specific blood components to treat various medical conditions.

Overview

During a transfusion, you receive whole blood or parts of blood, including:

  • Red blood cells: Cells that carry oxygen to and from tissues and organs.
  • Platelets: Cells that form clots to control bleeding.
  • Plasma: The liquid part of the blood that helps clotting; it may be required if you have been badly burned, have liver failure, or have a severe infection.

Safety and Screening

Most blood transfusions go very smoothly. While some infectious agents, such as HIV, can survive in blood and infect the recipient, blood banks carefully screen donated blood to keep the supply safe. Consequently, the risk of catching a virus from a blood transfusion is low.

Autologous Transfusion

Sometimes it is possible to have a transfusion of your own blood. If you are undergoing surgery that can be scheduled months in advance, your doctor may ask if you would like to use your own blood instead of donated blood. If you choose this option, you will need to have blood drawn one or more times before the surgery, and a blood bank will store it for your use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most transfusions are safe, but some people may experience mild reactions like fever, chills, or a rash, which are usually manageable. More serious but rare reactions can include allergic responses, fluid overload (especially in those with heart conditions), or delayed reactions like a drop in red blood cell count weeks later. It's important to report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare team immediately.
The duration of a blood transfusion depends on the type and amount of blood components being given, but a single unit of red blood cells usually takes about 2 to 4 hours. Platelets or plasma may be transfused more quickly. Recovery is generally straightforward; most people feel fine afterward, though some may experience mild fatigue. You can usually resume normal activities shortly after, unless your underlying medical condition requires further rest or care.
Doctors typically recommend transfusions to replace blood lost during surgery or severe injury, or to treat conditions like severe anemia, certain cancers, or blood disorders that prevent your body from making enough healthy blood cells or components. For example, red blood cell transfusions are common for significant blood loss or chronic anemia, while platelet transfusions help those with low platelet counts to prevent excessive bleeding.
Eligibility criteria vary slightly by blood bank, but generally, donors must be at least 17 years old (or 16 with parental consent in some areas), weigh at least 110 pounds, and be in good general health. There are also waiting periods after certain medical procedures, travel to specific regions, or taking certain medications. A brief medical history and mini-physical are conducted before donation to ensure safety for both the donor and recipient.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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