Blood transfusion is one of the most critical medical procedures, saving millions of lives each year. From trauma patients to those undergoing major surgeries, blood transfusions can significantly improve the chances of survival and recovery. At VIMS Hospital, we offer comprehensive blood transfusion services that ensure the safety, efficiency, and quality of every transfusion. As part of our commitment to providing expert healthcare, our Division of Blood Transfusion Services works meticulously to maintain the highest standards of safety, following guidelines from the National Blood Transfusion Council.

Why Blood Transfusion Services are Essential

Blood plays a vital role in our body, transporting oxygen and nutrients to tissues, removing waste products, and aiding in clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. When the body loses blood—whether due to surgery, trauma, or illness—it can no longer perform these vital functions effectively, which is where blood transfusion services come in. A blood transfusion involves transferring blood or its components from a donor to a patient, helping to restore essential functions and improve the patient’s condition.

At VIMS Hospital, we understand the importance of providing safe and effective blood transfusions. With our state-of-the-art facilities and adherence to stringent safety protocols, we ensure that every blood product is tested, stored, and administered with the utmost care.

The Role of the National Blood Transfusion Council (NBTC)

The National Blood Transfusion Council plays an integral role in maintaining high standards for blood transfusion services across India. As the regulatory body for blood safety and availability, the NBTC sets guidelines and provides recommendations on blood collection, screening, and distribution. This ensures that the blood transfusion process is not only effective but also safe for both patients and donors.

At VIMS Hospital, we comply with the guidelines set by the National Blood Transfusion Council to ensure that every unit of blood we handle is screened for infectious diseases, is of high quality, and is compatible with the recipient. Our Division of Blood Transfusion Services is committed to the highest standards of care, providing safe and timely transfusions for our patients.

Types of Blood Products Provided

At VIMS Hospital, we provide a variety of blood products to meet the specific needs of our patients. Depending on the condition and the patient's requirements, our team administers different types of blood components:

1. Whole Blood

Whole blood contains red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. It is often used for patients who have experienced significant blood loss due to trauma or surgery. However, in many cases, blood is separated into its components to treat specific conditions.

2. Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Red blood cells are the most commonly transfused blood product. They are used to treat anemia, blood loss from surgery, or other conditions that result in low red blood cell count. RBC transfusions help restore oxygen-carrying capacity to the body.

3. Plasma

Plasma is the liquid component of blood that contains water, electrolytes, proteins, and other substances. It is used to treat patients with clotting disorders, burns, or those undergoing major surgery. Plasma can be processed into clotting factors to treat conditions such as hemophilia.

4. Platelets

Platelets are vital for blood clotting and wound healing. Platelet transfusions are crucial for patients with blood cancers like leukemia or those undergoing chemotherapy. Platelet transfusions help to control bleeding and support healing.

5. Cryoprecipitate

Cryoprecipitate is a component of plasma rich in clotting factors like fibrinogen. It is used to treat bleeding disorders, particularly in patients with low fibrinogen levels due to liver disease or during major surgeries.

Ensuring Safety in Blood Transfusion