Having a simple blood transfusion
Simple blood transfusion
Important
You must let the team looking after you know if you have previously, or between visits, had a blood transfusion elsewhere.
On the day of your transfusion
You will usually be asked to come to the haematology day unit for your transfusion. Your appointment will be between 9am to 6pm.
The time you stay in the day unit will depend on how many units you are having and the speed at which you can have your units.
When you come to the unit for your transfusion, you should:
- bring your regular daytime medicine, including your painkillers, as we may not have them on the day unit.
- wear something comfortable
You might be in the unit all day, so you might want to bring something to eat (that does not need heating up).
You might also want to bring something to keep you entertained, such as a book or laptop.
We might ask you to turn your mobile phone off during your transfusion.
Do not bring children with you, as the day unit is an unsafe environment for children. We do not have any childcare facilities.
During your transfusion
During your transfusion, blood is given to you through a tube (drip), which is usually placed in a vein on your arm. This tube will be removed once the transfusion is complete.
The number of units (bags) you are given depends on how much blood is needed to correct your haemoglobin level. You will usually be given 2 to 3 units of blood. Each unit will be given over 2 to 3 hours.
Leaving hospital
You can leave the hospital once the transfusion is finished. Sometimes, we might ask you to stay in overnight if it is very late.
Useful information
NHS Blood and Transplant provide information on blood donation and how blood is used.
The NHS website has information about sickle cell disease.
Resource number: 1978/VER4
Date published: January 2024
Review date: January 2027
