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Blood Transfusions

Also known as: transfusion of blood.

What are blood transfusions?

A blood transfusion is when blood is infused into the body to replace missing blood. This often occurs after an injury or as part of a surgical procedure. The blood used is often donated by someone else.

What happens during the procedure?

An intravenous (IV) line gets inserted into a blood vessel of the body using a needle. Then the blood enters the bloodstream through the IV line. The patient may be seated or lying down while this occurs.

Is any special preparation needed?

Health care providers will need to determine the patient’s blood type in order to find an appropriate match prior to the procedure.

What are the risk factors?

Allergic reactions, hives, itching, fever and blood-borne infections are potentials risks of blood transfusions.

Reviewed by: Marcos A Mestre, MD

This page was last updated on: 10/7/2025 4:38:44 PM

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