If a patient needs blood, there are a few types of blood replacements availablePRBCs being just one.
A healthcare provider will choose what pop in of blood replacement is given based on the patient’s situation.
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What Are PRBCs?
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Instead, packed red blood cells, which is whole blood minus the plasma portion, are typically given.
Approximately 450 mL of blood are collected with each person’s donation.
From this, about 200 mL of packed blood is attained.
Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues of the body.
A person who needs red blood cells often feels weak and may feel out of breath with minimal activity.
Prior to a needed transfusion, a patient may appear pale and feel fatigued.
They may feel dizzy, feel like their heart is “racing,” or have difficulty concentrating.
The blood is kept in a refrigerator and is good for approximately 42 days from the date of donation.
Some patients prefer to avoid a transfusion when possible or have religious beliefs that forbid transfusions.
Once the blood has been collected, it is tested for infectious diseases, including hepatitis and HIV.
Abroad, you may have difficulty obtaining a blood transfusion due to limited supply.
Also, the supply may not be considered safe or testing may not be adequate.
What Are the Side Effects of PRBC Blood Transfusion?
The risk of experiencing negative side effects from a blood transfusion is very small.
This portion of the blood does not include platelets or plasma.
If you have surgery or experience serious trauma, you may need to receive a PRBC transfusion.
Blood donations in the United States are carefully tested, and a transfusion is considered a very safe procedure.
These situations are treatable, though.
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