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transfusion
(trans-fu´zhәn)
the introduction of whole blood or blood components directly into the bloodstream. Among the elements transfused are packed red blood cells, plasma, platelets, granulocytes, and cryoprecipitate. It is preferred to transfuse blood components rather than whole blood because in that way the utility of each unit of blood
can be extended and the treatment provided more nearly meets the specific needs of the patient. Transfusions were not practicable
until the four main hereditary blood groups (A, B, AB, and O) were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century. Before that, antigen-antibody reactions could not be predicted, and recipients could have fatal reactions (see transfusion reaction). Many different antigenic factors have subsequently been discovered (see blood group).
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
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