Newborn Blood Transfusion

A newborn blood transfusion provides blood to an infant who has severe anemia because of problems caused by Rh sensitization or other reasons.

The blood transfusion adds red blood cells that restore the baby’s health until new red blood cells can be produced.

If the newborn has severe jaundice, an exchange transfusion may be done. An exchange transfusion removes some of the newborn's blood and provides Rh-negative blood at the same time.

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerWilliam Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Last RevisedOctober 20, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: October 20, 2011
Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine

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