title: Blood component therapy.
abstract: Blood component transfusion is integral in the treatment of infants and children by pediatricians, surgeons, intensivists, and hematologists/oncologists. Technologic advances in blood collection, separation, anticoagulation, and preservation have resulted in component preparation of red blood cells, platelets, white blood cells, and plasma, which are superior to whole blood used in the past. Advances in donor selection, infectious disease testing, leukoreduction filters, and gamma irradiation have made products safer. Physicians prescribing blood components should have a basic understanding of indications (and contraindications) and be cognizant of methods of preparation, proper storage conditions, and requirements for modification of blood products to prevent potential adverse effects.
authors.affiliation: Children's National Medical Center, Department of Hematology/Oncology, 111 Michigan Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA.
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fasano
authors.forename: Naomi L C
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Luban
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001781:Blood Component Removal; D016913:Blood Component Transfusion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D047589:Leukocyte Reduction Procedures
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants