Blood and blood products have different uses depending on the patient’s/recipient’s ailment. KNBTS issues blood as Red Packed Blood Cells, Fresh Frozen Plasma, Platelets, Cryoprecipitate and Whole Blood.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cell transfusions are used to treat haemorrhage and to improve oxygen delivery to tissues. Transfusion of red blood cells should be based on the patient’s clinical condition. Indications for transfusion include symptomatic anaemia (causing shortness of breath, dizziness, congestive heart failure, and decreased exercise tolerance), acute sickle cell crisis, and acute blood loss of more than 30 percent of blood volume.
Plasma
Plasma products available include fresh frozen plasma is recommended in patients with active bleeding. Fresh frozen plasma is indicated for correction of coagulation abnormalities.
Platelets
Platelet transfusion may be indicated to prevent haemorrhage in patients with thrombocytopenia or platelet function defects.
Cryoprecipitate
Cryoprecipitate is prepared by thawing fresh frozen plasma and collecting the precipitate.
This blood product is usually indicated for conditions like; Haemorrhage after cardiac surgery, Massive haemorrhage or transfusion, Surgical bleeding
Whole Blood
Whole blood, if available, may be indicated for large volume haemorrhage, such as seen with major trauma, requiring massive transfusion and rapid correction of anemia, coagulopathy, acidosis, and hypothermia