Transfusion is the process of replacing blood or blood components a body has lost in surgery, through an accident or as a result of medical treatment such as chemotherapy. Patients may be able to give their own blood before surgery for transfusion through the process of autologous donation. This blood can be stored for an extended amount of time using the Frozen Blood Service . Patients can receive blood donated by volunteers in the community.
Patients can receive blood from a donor that they specify through the process of directed donation .
For more information about transfusions, visit our frequently asked questions . To learn how transfusions continue to save Leah Ciolek's life, click here .