Slowly the infant's blood is withdrawn and the fresh, prewarmed blood or plasma is injected. After the exchange transfusion, an umbilical catheter may be left in place in case the procedure needs to be repeated within a few hours. The exchange transfusion itself does carry considerable risk. In its most common use, in correcting Rh disease, the procedure is usually successful. The infant may need to be monitored for several days in the hospital after the transfusion.
General risks are the same as with any surgery.
Complications, preoperative laboratory tests, the need for an assisting surgeon, and other factors can greatly affect costs. A needle has been inserted into a large vein in the forearm. Blood flows from the vessel through the tubing to the collection bag. Donated blood has been responsible for saving millions of lives. Stored platelets after blood donation.