The packed red blood cells , also known as red cell concentrations and packaged cells , are red blood cells that have been separated for blood transfusion. They are usually used in anemia that either produces symptoms or when the hemoglobin is less than 70-80 g/L (7-8 g/dL). One unit raises the hemoglobin level to about 10 g/L (1 g/dL). Repeated transfusions may be needed in people who receive cancer chemotherapy or who have hemoglobin disorders. Cross matching is usually required before blood is given. This is given by injection into a blood vessel.
Side effects include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, red blood cell damage, infection, excessive volume, and lung injury. With current preparation methods in developed countries, the risk of viral infections such as hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS is less than one in a million. The packed red blood cells are obtained from whole blood or by apheresis. They usually last for three to six weeks.
The widespread use of red packed blood cells began in the 1960s. It's in the List of Essential Medicines of the World Health Organization, the most effective and safe drugs needed in the health system. In the UK it costs about 120 pounds per unit. A number of other versions also exist including whole blood, leukocytes reducing red blood cells, and washing red blood cells.
Video Packed red blood cells
Medical use
Blood transfusions are usually recommended when hemoglobin levels reach 70 g/L (7 g/dL) in those with stable vital signs. For those with heart disease or undergoing surgery is recommended at 8 g/dL.
Red blood cells are used to restore the oxygen-carrying capacity in people with anemia due to trauma or other medical problems, and are by far the most commonly used blood component in transfusion treatment. Historically they were transfused as part of whole blood, now usually used separately as RBC and plasma components. The process of identification of blood products compatible for complicated transfusions.
Maps Packed red blood cells
Side effects
Side effects may include allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, red blood cell damage, infections, and lung injury. Giving an incompatible RBC to someone can be fatal.
Compatibility test
In order to avoid transfusion reactions, donor and recipient blood are tested, usually ordered as "type and screen" for the recipient. "Type" in this case is the type ABO and Rh, especially the phenotype, and "screen" refers to testing for atypical antibodies that may cause transfusion problems. Typing and filtering is also done on donor blood. Blood groups represent antigens on the surface of red blood cells that may react with antibodies to the receiver.
The ABO blood type system has four basic phenotypes: O, A, B, and AB. In the former Soviet Union these are called I, II, III, and IV, respectively. There are two important antigens in the system: A and B. The red cells without A or B are called type O, and the red cells with both are called AB. Except in unusual cases such as infants or people with serious immune disorders, everyone will have antibodies to the ABO blood group that are not present in their own red blood cells, and will have immediate hemolytic reactions to units not compatible with ABO they. type. In addition to antigens A and B, there are rare variations that can complicate transfusions, such as the Bombay phenotype.
The Rh blood type system consists of nearly 50 different antigens, but one of the biggest clinical interests is the "D" antigen, although it has other names and is generally only called "negative" or "positive." Unlike ABO antigens, the receiver will usually not react to the first unsuitable transfusion because the adaptive immune system does not recognize it immediately. After inappropriate transfusion, the recipient may develop antibodies to the antigen and will react to further inappropriate transfusions. These antibodies are important because they are the most common cause of hemolytic disease in newborns. Incompatible red blood cells are sometimes given to recipients who will never get pregnant, such as postmenopausal men or women, as long as they do not have antibodies, because the greatest risk of Rh incompatible blood is the current or future pregnancy.
For red blood cells, the negative blood type O is considered a "universal donor" because receivers of type A, B, or AB are almost always able to safely receive O negative blood. A positive AB type is considered a "universal receiver" because they can safely accept other types of ABO/Rh. This is not really universal, because other red blood cell antigens can complicate the transfusion.
There are many other human blood group systems and most of them are rarely linked to transfusion problems. Screening tests are used to identify whether the recipient has antibodies against any of the other blood group systems. If the screening test is positive, a series of complex tests should follow to identify which antibodies the recipient has through the elimination process. Finding blood that is suitable for transfusion when the recipient has many antibodies or antibodies against a very common antigen can be very difficult and time consuming.
Because this test can take time, doctors will sometimes order a blood transfusion unit before it can be completed if the recipient is in critical condition. Usually two to four units of negative O blood are used in this situation, as they are unlikely to cause a reaction. Potentially fatal reactions may occur if the recipient has pre-existing antibodies, and un-mixed blood is used only in dire conditions. Since O negative blood is not common, other blood types may be used if the situation is desperate.