A transfusion involves the intravenous (IV) infusion (i.e., controlled delivery) of blood components contained in a plastic bag attached to plastic tubing connected to a catheter that is attached to a needle, which enters a vein of a patient. Types of blood transfusions include delivery of:
• Plasma (the liquid part of blood containing clotting factors and platelets needed for clotting)
• Platelets (cells in the blood involved in clotting)
• Red blood cells
• Whole blood (which contains plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells)
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