Charlinne Rivera
Professor Clark
ENC 1101
Research Paper
7 August 2012
Work Count: 1,227
The Unexposed Dangers of Blood Transfusions
Blood is not considered the “fluid of life” without valid reason. This essential liquid is circulated throughout the human body within veins, capillaries and arteries to our heart, where it is cleaned from contaminants and waste products, then replenished with nutrients and oxygen needed to maintain life. That is the way the human body system nourishes its cells. Blood provides the necessary nutrients to our cells to keep them alive. When this process is compromised by chronic blood loss, trauma, clotting abnormalities (hemophilia, anemia, etc.), the most common treatment is the use of blood transfusions. How wise would it be to consider all of the risk factors involved with blood transfusions before making a decision to utilize one? “There is increasing evidence that blood transfusions are dangerous and often unnecessary” (Hupston, “Quality Blood Transfusion Alternatives” 1). According to the article “Blood Transfusions- Risks”, published by the Mayo Foundation Medical Education and Research (MFMER), several risks are associated with blood transfusions. Included are the possibilities of getting an allergic reaction, even when the two blood types are compatible. Such reaction can cause from hives and itching to greater problems pertaining to breathing problems and blood pressure, tachycardia, vomiting, anxiety and fever. If a reaction of that nature occurs, the doctor will immediately order a ceasing of the transfusion, perform screening tests and administer medication. Another risk factor can be developing an acute immune hemolytic reaction-- when the recipient’s body rejects the donor’s blood because of an incompatibility of the transfused blood. The effects of this can lead to kidney failure and more fatal consequences. Lung