Emergency Surgery:
Case: Sarah, a 35-year-old woman, is involved in a car accident and suffers severe injuries requiring emergency surgery. Due to significant blood loss, she needs a blood transfusion during the operation to stabilise her condition.
Need for Screened Blood: In emergency situations like Sarah's, screened blood is essential to ensure the safety of the transfusion. Screening tests help detect infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and syphilis, reducing the risk of transmitting these infections to the recipient.
Haemophiliac Patient:
A person with haemophilia, a genetic disorder that impairs the body's ability to form blood clots, may require screened blood to prevent complications from potential infections during transfusions.
Cancer Patient:
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer often require blood transfusions. Due to their weakened immune systems, it's crucial that the blood is screened to prevent any additional health complications.
Organ Transplant Recipient:
Individuals undergoing organ transplant surgery may need blood transfusions to replace blood lost during the procedure. Screened blood is essential to reduce the risk of infections and other complications post-surgery.
Premature Infant:
Premature infants often require blood transfusions due to their underdeveloped immune systems and the need for additional red blood cells. Screened blood ensures the safety of the fragile infants from any infections or diseases.
Emergency Trauma Patient:
Patients with severe injuries or trauma may require immediate blood transfusions to stabilise their condition. Screened blood is vital in these situations to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and to support the patient's recovery.
In each of these cases, screened blood is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals receiving transfusions, minimising the risk of transmitting infections or other complications.