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Are blood transfusions commonly used to correct anemia, and are they dangerous?

April 26, 2017anemia blood Commonly dangerous transfusions Used

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Are blood transfusions commonly used to correct anemia, and are they dangerous?

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Blood transfusions are used to treat anemia as a last resort. The physican first identifies the cause of the anemia and corrects the cause, if possible. With concern over the safety of the blood supply, more attention is being given to anemia management. Most blood transfusions are given because of excessive bleeding at the time of surgery, with trauma, or because of bone marrow suppression, in patients with cancer or leukemia on chemotherapy. Blood transfusions are much safer than ever before but we also know that blood transfusions affect the immune system and may increase certain risks. There is also a concern for human error, which in 1/16,000 transfusions results in a patient receiving a transfusion of blood that is not matched with his/her blood type.