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There are mainly two indications for transfusion of blood:
firstly, when the volume of blood within the circulation system of the patient is
less than that required to sustain life and, secondly, when the red blood cells
are deficient either in quantity or quality. If we have insufficient red cells,
or if our red cells are abnormal, there will not be enough haemoglobin to maintain
the body efficiently and we are then said to be anaemic.
Blood loss through accident, surgery,
or haemorrhage at childbirth, or from such a condition as the bleeding of a stomach
ulcer, may reduce the amount of circulating fluid in our bodies below safe limits
and we may die unless this loss is speedily replaced.
Indications of blood transfusion can be summarized as:
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Anaemia
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Major Surgical Operation
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Accidents resulting in considerable blood loss
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Cancer patients requiring therapy
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Women in childbirth and newborn babies in certain cases
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Patients of hereditary disorders like Haemophilia and Thalassaemia
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Severe burn victims.
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