Abc Of Transfusion 4E

Blood services and Transfusion Medicine have become more clinical, scientific, well organised and consolidated over the last 20 years. More is known about the frequency and aetiology of the hazards of blood transfusions. The ABC of Transfusion is a well established introduction for all staff working in blood services, blood transfusion departments, surgical units and intensive care, and all prescribers and users of blood. It is a comprehensive, highly regarded guide to all the practical aspects of blood transfusion, including the various complications that can arise.

This fourth edition of ABC of Transfusion includes five new chapters on all the latest issues including pre-transfusion testing, vCJD, stem cell transplantation, immunotherapy, and appropriate use of blood - reflecting the fact that transfusion medicine has been revolutionised.

Useful as a practical guide, a refresher or for quick reference, it covers all essential transfusion matters and is an ideal source of information for all health professionals involved with safe and efficient use of blood.

Marcela Contreras, DBE, Chairman - Blood Transfusion International; Professor of Transfusion Medicine, Royal Free and University College Hospitals Medical School, London, UK and retired National Director of Diagnostics, Development and Research, National Blood Service, London, UK

1 The blood donor: demographics, donor selection and tests on donor blood.
2 Supply and demand for blood and blood components, and stock management.
3 Compatibility testing before transfusion and blood ordering policies.
4 Transfusion of red cells.
5 Platelet and granulocyte transfusions.
6 Haemolytic disease of the newborn and its prevention.
7 Fetal and neonatal transfusion.
8 Plasma, plasma products and indications for their use (to include plasma exchange).
9 Human albumin solutions and the controversy of crystalloids versus colloids.
10 The treatment of massive haemorrhage: in surgery and in trauma.
11 Immunological complications of transfusion.
12 Infectious complications of blood transfusion: bacteria and parasites.
13 Infectious complications of blood transfusion: viruses.
14 vCJD and its impact on the UK blood supply.
15 Cellular and immunotherapies.
16 Alternatives to allogeneic blood transfusion including autologous transfusion.
17 Blood substitutes.
18 Risks of transfusion in the context of haemovigilance. SHOT: the UK haemovigilance system.
19 Appropriate use of blood and "Better Blood Transfusion".
20 Blood transfusion in a regulatory environment and the EU Directive