Heart Health

In case my father needs a transfusion, should I donate blood?

Ask the doctor


By replenishing lost blood, transfusions can be lifesaving. For those related to surgery, doctors usually transfuse just red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs to other body organs. However, receiving a transfusion is not entirely risk-free. That's true whether a person receives blood from a family member or friend (known as directed donation, as you are proposing) or an anonymous donor. The risk isn't primarily from contracting a blood-borne infection, which is extremely unlikely. All donated blood is subjected to strict screening criteria, including testing for blood borne-diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. Rather, a blood transfusion seems to weaken the immune system, making the person more susceptible to infections he or she might acquire from other sources (including the hospital).

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