With what solution should blood be transfused?

Transfusing blood products requires a compatible solution to ensure the safety and integrity of the blood component. The preferred solution for blood transfusions is 0.9% normal saline. This isotonic solution effectively maintains the osmotic balance and does not cause hemolysis or adverse reactions that could occur with other solutions. Normal saline is specifically used because it is sterile, helps to keep the blood product in a liquid state, and is compatible with the blood components being infused.

Other solutions, like 5% dextrose in water, contain glucose, which can lead to hemolysis. Lactated Ringer’s solution and Ringer’s solution also contain electrolytes and can cause reactions with blood products that are more complex compared to saline. Thus, using 0.9% normal saline is a standard practice to ensure safe blood transfusions without complications.