Reference Terms
from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Blood transfusion
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure in which donated blood or blood components are transferred into a person’s bloodstream. It is commonly used to replace blood lost during surgery, trauma, or childbirth, and to treat conditions such as anemia, certain cancers, and blood clotting disorders. Transfusions can involve whole blood or specific components like red blood cells, plasma, platelets, or clotting factors, depending on the patient’s needs.
Before a transfusion, blood is carefully matched for compatibility between the donor and recipient, particularly for blood type and Rh factor, to prevent immune reactions. The process is typically performed in a hospital or clinical setting, monitored by medical professionals, and usually takes one to four hours depending on the volume and type of blood being transfused.
Blood transfusions are considered safe and life-saving, though minor side effects such as fever or allergic reactions can occur. In rare cases, more serious complications like hemolytic reactions or infections may arise, which is why rigorous screening and testing protocols are followed. Blood transfusion remains a critical tool in modern medicine, supporting recovery and survival in a wide range of medical situations.
Related Stories
1
2
Health & Medicine News
October 29, 2026
Oct. 29, 2026 Scientists have identified a weakened brain signal that may connect several seemingly unrelated symptoms of schizophrenia, including sensory processing difficulties, disorganized speech, and greater symptom severity. The surprising discovery could ...
Oct. 29, 2026 A study of nearly 13,000 adults found that people consuming the most artificial sweeteners experienced a 62% faster decline in memory and thinking skills, equivalent to approximately 1.6 additional years of brain aging. Six popular sweeteners were ...
Oct. 29, 2026 Getting more daylight could be linked to a surprisingly powerful benefit for brain health. In a study of more than 87,000 adults, researchers found that higher daytime light exposure was associated with a 16% lower risk of dementia, with longer ...
Oct. 29, 2026 Cranberry juice may offer an unexpected benefit beyond its reputation for helping prevent urinary tract infections: protecting teeth from decay. Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago discovered that pure, unsweetened cranberry juice ...
Oct. 28, 2026 Researchers have discovered a small group of brain cells that prevents dangerous blood pressure swings, even when average readings appear normal. The finding reveals a hidden source of cardiovascular risk and could open the door to new treatments ...
Oct. 28, 2026 Scientists have uncovered a hidden defense mechanism in aging muscles that sacrifices strength to protect cells from damage. In mice, partially restoring a crucial molecule reversed signs of muscle wasting and prevented premature death, raising ...
Oct. 28, 2026 A new Finnish study reveals that just 30 minutes in a sauna can temporarily flood the bloodstream with additional white blood cells, potentially helping the immune system patrol the body and detect threats. The surprising response resembles the ...
Oct. 28, 2026 NASA’s Artemis I mission has revealed that cosmic radiation near the Moon is higher than in Earth orbit, but not by as much as scientists might expect. Tiny experimental detectors also uncovered ...
Oct. 27, 2026 A new clinical trial suggests that a simple daily fiber supplement could significantly reduce knee osteoarthritis pain, improve muscle strength, and make the body less sensitive to pain. Researchers ...
Oct. 27, 2026 Scientists at McGill University have discovered a surprising new ability of immune cells that could change how we understand long-term immunity. Researchers found that T cells can actually sense how stiff their surrounding tissues are, using these ...
Oct. 27, 2026 The secret to aging more slowly may be hiding in your gut. Scientists discovered that certain gut bacteria are strongly linked to how quickly the body ages, with microbial differences accounting for about 15% of the variation in biological aging ...
Oct. 27, 2026 Scientists have discovered that low testosterone and a high-fructose diet can work together to worsen fatty liver disease in mice. Unexpectedly, changes in gut bacteria appear to drive this harmful interaction, revealing a potential new target for ...
Latest Headlines
updated 12:56 pm ET
Oct. 27, 2026 A surprising discovery reveals that widely used anti-inflammatory drugs may unintentionally help dangerous viruses spread through the body. Scientists found that JAK inhibitors, prescribed for ...
Oct. 27, 2026 Why do some people stay mentally sharp even when their brains show signs of Alzheimer’s disease? Scientists in the Netherlands may have uncovered ...
Oct. 26, 2026 Mayo Clinic scientists have uncovered surprising new insights into “zombie cells,” aging cells that linger in the body and contribute to ...
Oct. 26, 2026 A surprisingly simple exercise routine could help lower blood pressure without requiring daily workouts or expensive equipment. In a study of 100 adults, researchers found that wall squats performed ...
Oct. 26, 2026 Scientists have identified a hidden cause of inflammatory bowel disease: antibodies that disable the immune system’s natural ability to control inflammation, potentially explaining severe illness ...
Oct. 26, 2026 Regular exercise does more than strengthen the heart. New research reveals that it actually reshapes the nerves controlling how the heart functions, and the changes are surprisingly different on the ...
Oct. 26, 2026 A powerful new AI system could help doctors detect pancreatic cancer years before it becomes visible on conventional scans. The technology, called ...
Oct. 25, 2026 A simple liquid painted onto teeth in seconds can stop cavities without drilling, injections, or anesthesia, according to a major clinical trial involving young children. The inexpensive treatment ...
Oct. 25, 2026 Missing blood pressure medication could mean losing much of its protection against heart attacks and strokes, according to an analysis of more than 91,000 people. Patients who consistently took their ...
Oct. 25, 2026 A major new study reveals that drinking just two alcoholic beverages a day is associated with a 1 in 25 lifetime risk of death from alcohol-related causes, challenging the idea that moderate drinking ...