- Whole blood provides red cells, volume, stable coagulation factors (VII, XI), and others
- It does not have functional platelets and labile coagulation factors (V and VIII)
- It is also used as a raw material from which other blood components are prepared
- 1 unit is about 450 ml of blood; obtained from a single donation.
Indications
- Red cell replacement in acute blood loss (haemorrhage) with significant hypovolaemia such as in trauma, surgery, invasive procedures, GIT haemorhage
- Patients in need of red cell transfusion where red cell concentrates or suspensions are not available (consider
adding furosemide to avoid fluid overload) - Only Specialist Use: exchange transfusion in neonates, using less than 5-day old blood units
Caution
- Transfusion must be started within 30 minutes of removal from the refrigerator, and completed within 4 hours of starting
- Storage is 2-6°C in approved blood bank refrigerator with temperature charts and alarm
- WB is contraindicated in severe chronic anaemia and incipient cardiac failure (risk of volume overload)
- Should not be warmed unless indicated (improvised warming method commonly used in health facilities is not
necessary)