Transfusions for clotting problems
In some people, blood doesn't clot as well as it should, and they may bleed for longer than normal. You may be offered a transfusion of platelets, fresh frozen plasma, or cryoprecipitate to help with clotting problems:
-
If you have a condition called thrombocytopenia (a shortage of platelets) and you are bleeding.
-
If you are bleeding very heavily (but it's not life-threatening) and your blood tests show your blood is clotting too slowly.
-
If you are having an operation, and your blood tests show your blood is clotting too slowly.
Some people who are at high risk of bleeding may be offered a transfusion to stop problems from starting (a 'prophylactic' transfusion). This includes:
-
people with certain types of thrombocytopenia
-
people with clotting problems who are having an operation.