The main difference between infusion and transfusion is that infusion is the transfer of a substance to the blood, altering the state of blood, whereas transfusion is the transfer of a substance to the blood without altering the state of blood.
Infusion and transfusion are two processes of transferring substances to the blood. They are important in treating anemia.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Infusion
– Definition, Facts, Importance
2. What is Transfusion
– Definition, Facts, Importance
3. Similarities Between Infusion and Transfusion
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Infusion and Transfusion
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Infusion, Transfusion
What is Infusion
Infusion is a therapy that can be received through a needle or catheter. Some infusion drugs cannot be taken orally as they change their effectiveness with the introduction to the digestive system. However, infusion therapy is important when there is no capable oral therapy. Also, infusion therapy is taken intravenously. Epidural, intramuscular, and subcutaneous are the other types of infusion therapy. The main importance of infusion therapy includes the hydration or quick delivery of medications. An insulin pump that delivers insulin under the skin is an example of infusion therapy. Additionally, it is a method of delivering nutrition to the body.
Figure 1: Infusion
Furthermore, other substances used in infusion therapy include antibiotics, antiemetics, antifungals, antivirals, biologics, blood factors, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, growth hormones, immunoglobulin replacement, immunotherapy, and inotropic heart medications. However, the dose can be controlled in infusion therapy; some substances can be dripped slowly into the bloodstream, while other drugs need to reach the bloodstream quickly, such as anaphylactic shock, heart attack, poisoning, and stroke.
What is Transfusion
Transfusion is the process of receiving blood and blood products intravenously. Importantly, it can replace the lost components of the blood and can be used in various medical conditions. It is potentially a life-saving process that can replace blood during surgery or injury. It also prevents blood illnesses that can occur due to losing blood components. The blood components that can be transfused include red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. The most commonly transfused blood component is the red blood cells. Whole blood can also be transfused during blood transfusion.
Figure 2: Blood Transfusion
Moreover, blood transfusion is generally safe. However, allergic conditions that cause hives, itching, and fever can occur after transfusion. Moreover, HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C are extremely rare transfusion-related infections. Serious blood transfusion reactions include acute immune hemolytic, delayed hemolytic, and graft-versus-host disease. The blood type is determined before the blood transfusion. The blood types include A, B, AB, or O, and the blood is Rh positive or Rh negative.
Similarities Between Infusion and Transfusion
- Infusion and transfusion are two processes that add substances to the blood.
- They are important in treating anemia.
Difference Between Infusion and Transfusion
Definition
Infusion refers to introducing a liquid, such as a saline solution, into a vein or the subcutaneous tissues of the body. At the same time, transfusion refers to receiving blood or blood products intravenously.
Function
Infusion is the transfer of substances to the blood, such as iron, saline, etc., while transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood products to the blood.
Importance
Infusion changes the composition of blood, while transfusion does not change the composition of blood.
Conclusion
In brief, infusion and transfusion are two processes that add different substances to the blood. Infusion is the transfer of different substances to the blood. It adds iron, saline, etc., to the blood. Importantly, it changes the composition of blood. In comparison, transfusion is the transfer of blood or blood components. It does not alter the composition of blood. Therefore, the main difference between infusion and transfusion is altering blood composition.
References:
- (2020, December 21). Infusion therapy: What is it, what conditions does it treat?. Healthline.
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022a, April 27). Blood transfusion. Mayo Clinic.
Image Courtesy:
- “Apparecchiatura post operatoria per Flebo” By Blood transfusion A – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
- “Blood transfusion A” By 26RIJNA2020 – Own work (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
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