Packed Red Blood Cells (pRBCs)

A blood transfusion is a routine medical procedure in which donated blood is provided through a narrow tube within a vein.

This potentially life-saving procedure can help replace blood lost due to surgery, disease or injury. Blood transfusions usually occur without complications but when they do occur they’re typically mild.

There are different types of transfusions that can be performed. This is determined by the patient's individual needs. Pets that have a bleeding disorder but a normal RBC count may only get a blood transfusion, and pets that have marked RBC loss without a bleeding disorder may get a Whole blood transfusion or packed Red Blood Cell transfusion.

Whole blood is made of Plasma and Red Blood cells. After donated blood is collected, separation into its components can be performed. By separating the components we are able to form a concentrated form of “blood” known as Packed Red Blood Cells aka pRBCs.

This concentrated form is used to improve oxygen-carrying capacity in patients with acute or chronic blood loss/destruction, renal disease, and bone marrow disorders. It is also frequently used specifically in pets with low RBC with concurrent heart and kidney disease.