Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion is a medical treatment to replace blood or portions of the blood lost through injury, surgery, or disease.

During a transfusion, people normally receive only the parts of blood needed to treat their conditions. Whole blood is now rarely given as a transfusion.

Blood for transfusions may come from anonymous donors, or a person can bank his or her own blood in preparation for surgery.

Current as of: October 13, 2016

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine & A. Evan Eyler, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Psychiatry