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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.

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine
Last Revised October 20, 2011

Last Revised: October 20, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Sarah Marshall, MD - Family Medicine & William Gilbert, MD - Maternal and Fetal Medicine

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