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To have a transfusion means to get blood or some part of it.
The blood usually comes from another person, called a donor. Parts of the
blood (blood products)
are separated out so that a person getting the blood gets only the
needed part. The rest of the blood products can then be given to others
who need them. Blood and blood products are given (transfused) into
the vein, through an IV (intravenous) line.
Blood transfusions save millions of lives in the United States
every year. Recent estimates suggest that about half of Americans will
need a blood transfusion at some point during their lives.
Transfusions of blood and blood products temporarily replace
parts of the blood when a person's body can't make its own or has lost
them from bleeding. People sometimes need transfusions after injuries
or surgery, or if they have cancer or certain other diseases.
Here, we will describe blood and its parts (also called components) and why
they are important. We will also explain how blood is donated and
transfused and how that relates to people with cancer. For more precise
information about how this works in your community, please contact your
local hospital or blood donation center.
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