Blood transfusion is a routine medical procedure in which blood or blood products are transfused from a donor to a recipient. This is done usually as a life-saving manoeuvre for replacing blood or its components, which is lost due to severe bleeding.

The common complications of blood transfusions include allergic reactions and blood-borne infections. Serious risks related to blood transfusion are acute immune haemolytic reaction, delayed haemolytic reaction and graft-versus-host disease.

People who undergo major surgery may need blood transfusion to replace blood loss. People who have experienced severe injuries may need blood transfusion. Individuals with any illness that leads to anaemia may need a blood transfusion.

During a blood transfusion, you receive a component or several components of blood based on the requirements. The products are mainly transfused through an intravenous drip under the skin. Most commonly, red blood cells and platelets are transfused from a donor to the recipient. It is also possible that someone needs to receive whole blood with all its components.

You may have some soreness or bruising for a few days at the site of injection. The effects of blood transfusion and how you feel them depends on your overall health, the reason why you need a blood transfusion and the amount of blood.