packed red blood cells
Red blood cells that have been separated for blood transfusion. They are typically used in anemia that is either causing symptoms or when the hemoglobin is less than usually 70–80 g/L (7–8 g/dL). In adults, one unit brings up hemoglobin levels by about 10 g/L (1 g/dL).
Repeated transfusions may be required in people receiving cancer treatment or who have hemoglobin disorders.
(Cancer treatment)
Anemia can be an effect of the cancer itself, or can be caused by different types of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation which destroy bone marrow.
Blood cancers (e.g. leukemia) inhibits the body's production of blood cells. Other cancers can lower blood counts by affecting organs like the spleen and kidneys, which are both responsible for keeping blood cells.
To avoid infections or for excessive bleeding due to a lack of platelet production by chemotherapy and other cancer treatments such as radiation and bone marrow transplants.
(Inherited hemoglobin disorders which cause anaemia)
• sickle cell diseases (structural hemoglobin variants)
• thalassemias (defective globin production)
Cross matching, a part of blood compatibility testing, is typically required before the blood is given. It is given by injection into a vein.
Side effects include allergic reactions (e.g. anaphylaxis, red blood cell breakdown), infections (e.g. hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS), volume overload, and lung injury.