So blood is awesome and there’s a lot going on!

What is a Blood Transfusion?

Kids with cancer sometimes need blood transfusions when their bodies cannot make enough blood cells.  Blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, affect the bone marrow, where blood cells are made.  All of those components can be transfused, except for white blood cells, which are very important to help the body fight infection. It’s rare for all parts of the blood, “whole blood”, to be used in a transfusion.  Usually, the blood is separated into its components and used for the specific properties if each. 

• Red blood cells along with hemoglobin, the protein inside the red blood cells, carry oxygen from the lungs to the body's organs and tissues and help the body get rid of carbon dioxide and other waste products.  

• Platelets prevent bleeding in the body by helping the blood to clot. 

• White blood cells help the body fight infection. 

• Plasma is the largest part of the blood. It, makes up 55% of the blood’s overall content. Plasma carries water, salts and enzymes throughout the body along with coagulation factors that help the blood to clot.