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Is There A Time Limit To Avoid Transfusion-related Bacterial Infection?

Posted on Mon, 11 Jul 2016

Question: Is it uncommon to wait two hours and eighteen minutes from the time of issuance, until starting a transfusion of PRBC ? If so, might this result in bacterial contamination?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It will not allow any bacterial growth.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern,

Waiting for 2 hours and 18 mins till transfusion of PRBC will not allow any bacterial growth.
In fact,it may be deliberately delayed to allow blood to come to normal temperature.
Immediately transfused blood freshly taken out of refrigerator may cause hypothermia so,it may be pre-warmed in hot water in some cases before transfusion.

So,Please don't worry about bacterial growth.

Get well soon.

Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr. Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (1 hour later)

Thank you for your answer.

Regarding transfusion #2, four hours and twenty-eight minutes had passed from the time of issuance until the stopping time.
I have seen that 4 hours is the longest period for blood transfusion. Could there be any problem with the extra twenty-eight minutes?

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Generally this much elapsed time is not concerning.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to HCM,
I've gone through your query and understand your concern,

Generally this much elapsed time is not concerning.

Get well soon.

Hope I have answered your query.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr. Indu XXXXXXX

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad