Blood Component Therapy

Blood component transfusion is integral in the treatment of infants and children by pediatricians, surgeons, intensivists, and hematologists/oncologists. Technologic advances in blood collection, separation, anticoagulation, and preservation have resulted in component preparation of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and plasma, which are superior to whole blood used in the past. Advances in donor selection, infectious disease testing, leukoreduction filters, and gamma irradiation have made products safer. Physicians prescribing blood components should have a basic understanding of indications (and contraindications) and be cognizant of methods of preparation, proper storage conditions, and requirements for modification of blood products to prevent potential adverse effects.