Red blood cell transfusions
This sickle cell treatment involves taking red blood cells from one person and giving them to another.
The red blood cells are obtained when someone donates (gives) blood. Once the laboratory receives the blood donation, the red cells are separated from the other parts of the blood and stored in a bag in a special refrigerator.
All donated red blood cells are then tested for infections. If your child needs a transfusion, their health-care team will make sure the red blood cells your child receives are closely matched to their blood type. This prevents side effects from the transfusion.
How is a transfusion given?
The red blood cells may be given into a vein through a regular IV (intravenous line) or through a central line or port. If your teen needs a transfusion, they might receive it in a clinic or hospital inpatient unit.
Sometimes, a person with sickle cell disease only needs a single transfusion. Other times, they may need “chronic” transfusions, which could mean a transfusion once a month for many months or years.
Benefits of red blood cell transfusions for people with sickle cell disease
By providing normal red blood cells, transfusions:
- provide more hemoglobin to better deliver oxygen around the body
- reduce the percentage of sickle cells in your child's blood
- prevent your child's blood vessels from becoming blocked
- reduce the body’s need to produce new red blood cells. This is because transfused red blood cells live longer in the body than sickle-shaped red blood cells.
Transfusions are given for different health problems caused by sickle cell disease. For some problems, a blood transfusion may be a life-saving measure, for instance if is used to treat severe anemia. Other times, chronic blood transfusions may help prevent a
stroke, or prevent it from occurring again, or treat health problems such as
acute chest syndrome.
