Transfusion

People with myelofibrosis may be given blood transfusions.

If your blood cell counts are low, you may be given blood transfusions of red cells and platelets.

Each transfusion works for a certain amount of time: platelets last for a few days and red blood cells a few weeks, although the amount of time will vary from person to person depending on how low your count is, how quickly you make your own cells, how big your spleen is, whether you are bleeding, and other factors.

Blood is given in hospital usually on a day ward. All blood in the UK is produced and sent to hospitals by the National Blood Service. Their website provides interesting facts about blood how it is collected and the risks and history of blood transfusion.