Types of transfusion

If you’re very low in a key component of blood, a transfusion may help. There are many medical conditions or problems that can lead to low or poorly functioning components in your blood.

illustration of woman holding red and yellow droplets in each hand

Lifeblood uses blood, platelet and plasma donations to manufacture different blood products. These include red cells, platelets, plasma, cryodepleted plasma and cryoprecipitate. Find out more about these different types of transfusions, and how they can help patients just like you.

Red cell

Red cell transfusions can treat low haemoglobin or red cell count (anaemia). Red cells carry oxygen to all the cells in your body.

How it can help

Platelet

You may need a platelet transfusion if you have a low platelet count (thrombocytopaenia). Platelets help blood clots form.

How it can help

Plasma

Fresh frozen plasma (FFP), also known as plasma, is what’s left once all the blood cells are taken out of whole blood. It can replace missing or low levels of blood proteins.

How it can help