Recently, a 34-year-old woman died due to doctor's negligence in a government hospital in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. The reason was that the woman was suffering from kidney disease for which she needed blood.
A surgeon on duty mistakenly started transfusing the woman with 'AB positive' blood instead of 'O positive', causing her condition to deteriorate and her death.
Generally, there are 4 types of blood groups (A, B, AB and O) found all over the world. These are divided into positive and negative sub categories.
If a person needs blood, he can be given blood only from people with a particular category of blood group. Transfusion of wrong blood group can cause serious health problems. In some cases it can even be fatal.
Therefore, the patient and his family must ask their doctor a few questions before getting a blood transfusion.
So, today In work news we will talk about the important questions that should be asked by the patient or his family members before blood transfusion. You will also learn that-
- Which donor can give blood to a person of which blood group?
- Can there be any side effects while donating blood?
Expert: Prof. Harendra Yadav, Department of Pathology, SN Medical College, Agra
Ask your doctor these 10 questions before getting a blood transfusion
If you or any member of your family may need a blood transfusion during or after a surgery, you should ask your doctor some important questions beforehand so that you can be mentally prepared for it.
Q-1: Do I really need a blood transfusion? Answer: When you ask your doctor if I really need a blood transfusion, he will tell you that there is a possibility. If you bleed a lot during surgery, you will definitely need a blood transfusion. If this does not happen then there is no need for blood.
Overall, the doctor will explain all the reasons why a blood transfusion may be needed and under what circumstances. How much blood may be needed? What do you need to prepare in advance for that? For example, doctors may ask to consult a blood bank or your relatives for blood.
Q-2: For which blood group will I be transfused?
Answer- Blood can always be taken from a specific blood group. The patient or his family can ask his doctor which blood group blood will be transfused. So that blood can be arranged immediately in case of emergency.
From the graphic below, understand which blood group people can take blood from.
Q-3: How many units of blood will I be transfused?
Answer- How many units of blood a patient will receive depends on their weight, age or how much blood has been drained from the body. Therefore, before transfusing blood, the patient should ask the doctor how many units of blood can be transfused.
Question-4: What precautions will be taken to prevent infection if an infected blood transfusion occurs?
Answer- The patient should be aware of the side effects that may occur during or after blood transfusion. He or she may ask the doctor what medications will be given to control an allergic reaction or infection after the new blood enters the body.
Q-5: What tests should a blood donor undergo?
Answer: Before taking blood, the patient should know what tests are performed on the blood donor.
Before taking blood, some tests are done for each person, understand it from below graphic-
Q-6: Can there be any side effects after blood transfusion? Answer- Prof. Harendra Yadav explains that usually there are no side effects during or after a blood transfusion as the patient is transfused only after several tests. However, some patients may experience symptoms such as chills or an allergic reaction. The patient should be aware of this.
Q-7: What are the precautions to be taken while transfusing blood? Answer- It is very important to be careful while transfusing blood. Therefore, the patient should ask who will be appointed to monitor him. What will be the speed of blood flow during blood transfusion? If there is a side effect of blood transfusion, how will the symptoms be recognized?
Question-8: How will the patient be cared for after blood transfusion?
Answer- After the blood transfusion, the doctor may advise you to get enough rest, not to lift weights or do strenuous exercise. The doctor may also advise regular tests to monitor for a few days. With this, if any side effect occurs, it can be identified immediately.
Question-9: What can I eat and drink after blood transfusion? Answer: The patient can ask the doctor what to eat and what not to eat before the blood transfusion. After the blood transfusion, the doctor may modify the patient's diet according to his current condition. Doctors may advise you to avoid certain foods.
Question-10: Can I know how old blood is transfused from the blood bank?
Answer- Yes, absolutely! If blood is transfused from a blood bank, the patient should ask how old the blood is. There are two types of blood bags for blood storage. The expiry date or life of the blood is written separately on them.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
