What Parents Should Look for During Their Child’s Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion can be a lifesaving procedure for children. Some children may need blood transfusions regularly, as in conditions like thalassemia, chronic anaemia, and cancers, while others may require them only occasionally, for example, after surgery, injury, or a severe illness. While it’s a routine process in hospitals, parents play an important role in ensuring their child’s comfort and safety during the transfusion. Being aware of what to expect and what to watch for can help detect problems early and provide reassurance to both the child and the care team.

Before the Transfusion

Screening and Safety Checks: Before a transfusion, every unit of donated blood is rigorously tested (screened) for infections such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and other conditions. It is also checked for compatibility with your child’s blood group to avoid adverse reactions. These tests are done according to national and international safety standards, making the risk of infection from transfusion extremely low. This is why parents should understand that it’s vital to get a blood products from an authentic, licensed blood bank or hospital, where proper screening protocols are strictly followed.

Confirm Identity and Blood Type: Though the medical team will double-check your child’s name, hospital ID, and blood group before starting, parents can politely re-confirm these details themselves for complete assurance.

Know the type of transfusion: Ask the doctor why the transfusion is being done (in case of one-time event), what type of blood product is being given (whole blood, red cells, platelets, plasma), and how long it will take.

Discuss Allergies and Past Reactions: Inform the team if your child has ever had allergic reactions to medicines or previous transfusions. It can be a significant detail. 

During the Transfusion

Children are closely monitored by the medical team during transfusions, but your alertness adds another layer of safety. Here’s what you can look for. 

Vital Signs and Comfort: The nursing staff regularly checks temperature, pulse, and blood pressure. But if your child looks unusually pale, flushed, or sweaty, notify the staff immediately.

Possible Early Reaction Signs: While most transfusions go smoothly, some children may develop reactions. Parents should watch for sudden fever or chills, rash, itching, or swelling of the face/lips. Apart from this trouble in breathing, coughing, wheezing, dizziness and nausea, and vomiting should also be reported. 

Parents should report even mild symptoms or unusual changes right away, as early action prevents complications.

Changes in Behaviour: Irritability, restlessness, or confusion in older children may indicate discomfort. For babies, excessive crying or refusal to feed can be a sign that something isn’t right and should be reported. 

After the Transfusion

Some reactions can appear hours later; thus, parents should stay vigilant for the initial 24 hours. Fever or chills, dark-colored urine, yellowing of eyes or skin, persistent tiredness or weakness, and any swelling or breathing difficulty should be reported immediately, and medical attention must be sought. 

Parents’ Role in Blood Transfusion 

Overall, here are some key things a parent can do-

• Choose the right and authentic place for transfusion
• Stay close to your child during the transfusion.
• Trust your instincts, and if something feels wrong, speak up early.
• Keep your child comfortable with a favorite toy, book, or gentle conversation.
• Follow all aftercare instructions given by the healthcare team.

Blood transfusions in children are carried out under strict safety protocols, and serious complications are rare. Still, your awareness can help spot issues early and ensure the safest experience possible for your child.

Why choose Ankura?

Ankura Hospital for Women and Children has the best team of pediatricians and pediatric haematologists and oncologists who are committed to providing empathetic and quality care for babies and children. We offer the most advanced and world-class setup for pediatric haematology and oncology, where every child is treated with personalized care, clinical excellence, compassion, and utmost safety. 

At Ankura, we believe in a family-centered approach, ensuring parents are involved in every step of the care process. With state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, child-friendly facilities, and 24/7 pediatric support, Ankura remains a trusted destination for comprehensive care in pediatric blood disorders and childhood cancers.