Red blood cells contain the iron-rich compound, hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the tissues. Anemia occurs commonly in infants, especially premature infants. Because preemies usually require frequent blood sampling for laboratory tests, nearly all have anemia to some extent.
Preemies also have low red blood cell production.
When decreased production is combined with frequent blood sampling for laboratory tests, anemia results. If there are symptoms of anemia, treatment with a blood transfusion of red blood cells may be given. These red blood cells are taken from whole blood donated at a blood bank. This blood can be supplied by a personally selected donor or a random donor. A preemie who is anemic in the newborn period is not more likely to have anemia later in life.