Blood transfusion

We transfuse about 55,000 units of blood and blood components per year, helping to save the lives of thousands of patients who are suffering serious injury, undergoing surgery, premature babies and people with cancer.

Types of blood components include:

• Red Cells – standard blood for transfusion.

• Platelets – to help prevention of bleeding.

• Fresh Frozen Plasma and Cryoprecipitate – for patients with clotting deficiencies or disorders.

• Albumin – for burns cases.

• Anti-D – used in pregnancy for Rh negative women.

These products are stored and monitored in dedicated fridges and freezers in our blood transfusion laboratories.

Approximately 65,000 patient blood samples are received into the blood transfusion laboratories every year, where staff perform tests to determine the patient’s blood group, to examine for antibodies, and match donor blood so that transfusions can be given safely to patients.

Our hospitals run a range of nurse-led and consultant-led clinics and day case services. We work closely with haematology and surgical wards for patients requiring blood transfusion support.

More information: 

UHL Phlebotomy Service - information on the process of taking blood samples 

Pathology Services - more information about our Pathology Service.

Links to useful websites:

National Blood Service - how you can donate blood

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