These 2 factors can be combined into 8 possible blood types:
This can cause a serious or even life-threatening transfusion reaction. If you get a transfusion that does not work with your blood type, your body’s immune system could fight the donated blood. Blood typesīlood types are important when it comes to transfusions. At that point, more blood tests must be done to find a donated blood component that closely matches the patient. If a transfusion is needed, it must be prescribed by a health care provider. Tests of clotting (coagulation) may also be done if abnormal bleeding is a problem. A CBC measures the levels of components within the blood such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The amount and part of the blood transfused depends on what the patient needs.įirst, blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) are done to find out if the patient’s symptoms are likely to be helped by a transfusion. A blood transfusion is given through tubing connected to a needle or fine tube (catheter) that’s in a vein.