Question

When transfusing an individual with blood that is compatible but not the same type, it is important to separate packed cells from the plasma and administer only the packed cells. why do you think this is done? (hint: think about what is in plasmaversus what is on rbcs.)?

Answer 1

A blood transfusion usually refers to the procedure of transferring blood products and blood into the circulation of an individual intravenously. The process of transfusions is utilized for different medical situations to substitute the lost constituents of the blood.  

In the process of transfusion, the components of the blood are separated into plasma, packed cells, and platelets. The packed cells are administered to the patient instead of entire blood as this will prohibit the issues, like immune reactions due to antibodies in plasma. The plasma comprises of antibodies, which could react with the antigens present on the RBCs surface.