Blood Transfusions in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Blood transfusions are a common, lifesaving treatment used every day in Grand Rapids hospitals such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health. A blood transfusion means giving a person blood or blood components that have been donated by someone else.

In West Michigan, transfusions are used in emergencies (such as car accidents on icy winter roads), during surgery, in cancer treatment, and for many medical conditions that affect the blood.

What Are Blood Types and Why Do They Matter?

Every person has a specific blood type. The main blood groups are:

  • A
  • B
  • AB
  • O

Each of these is also either:

  • Rh-positive (Rh+) or
  • Rh-negative (Rh−)

This is often called your ABO and Rh type (it used to be called “Rhesus type,” but now we usually say “Rh type”).

When you receive a blood transfusion in Grand Rapids—whether at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health—your medical team will carefully match the donated blood to your ABO and Rh type to make sure it is compatible.

O Negative: The Universal Donor

Sometimes in an emergency, there is not enough time to test a person’s blood type. In these situations, doctors may use O negative red blood cells.

  • O negative is called the universal blood type because it can be safely given to almost anyone in an emergency.
  • For this reason, O negative blood is in high demand across Michigan and is especially important for trauma care and emergency rooms in Grand Rapids.

What Does Blood Do in the Body?

Blood is essential for life. It travels through arteries, veins, and capillaries to reach every part of your body. Its main roles include:

  • Carrying oxygen from the lungs to all cells
  • Removing carbon dioxide from the body (taken back to the lungs to be exhaled)
  • Transporting nutrients from the small intestine to cells throughout the body
  • Removing waste products so they can be processed and eliminated
  • Helping fight infection through white blood cells
  • Helping blood clot to stop bleeding through platelets
  • Regulating temperature, which is important in a climate like Grand Rapids with cold winters and warm, humid summers

Main Components of Blood

Blood is made up of:

  • Plasma – the liquid portion that carries cells, nutrients, hormones, and waste
  • Red blood cells – carry oxygen throughout the body
  • White blood cells – part of the immune system, helping to fight infections
  • Platelets – help the blood clot and stop bleeding

Different medical conditions may require transfusion of whole blood or specific blood components (such as red cells, plasma, or platelets).

When Is a Blood Transfusion Needed?

In Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan, blood transfusions are used to treat many conditions, including:

  • Severe blood loss

    • From accidents (for example, winter car crashes on icy roads)
    • From major surgery
    • From internal bleeding (such as from an ulcer or injury)

  • Severe anemia

    • When the blood cannot carry enough oxygen to the body’s cells
    • Can be caused by chronic disease, kidney disease, or nutritional deficiencies

  • Cancer and chemotherapy

    • Chemotherapy and some cancers (like leukemia or lymphoma) can reduce red blood cells or platelets
    • Transfusions help improve energy and reduce bleeding risk

  • Bleeding disorders

    • Conditions that prevent normal blood clotting or cause spontaneous bleeding
    • Some patients require platelets or clotting factor products

  • Pregnancy and childbirth

    • Severe bleeding during or after delivery
    • Certain pregnancy-related complications

  • Autoimmune disorders

    • Some immune disorders affect red cells, platelets, or clotting
    • Patients may rely on blood products made from plasma to live normal, healthy lives

If you are treated at a Grand Rapids hospital, your care team will explain why a transfusion is needed, what type of blood product will be used, and any potential risks.

Types of Blood Collection

Blood used in Grand Rapids hospitals comes from volunteer donors and is collected in several ways.

1. Whole Blood (Homologous) Collection

  • Whole blood is collected from a volunteer donor.
  • At the blood center, the donation is separated into components:
    • Red blood cells
    • Plasma
    • Platelets
  • Patients then receive only the components they need, matched to their blood type.

2. Apheresis Collection

  • Used to collect specific components, such as plasma or platelets.
  • The donor’s blood is passed through a machine that:
    • Separates out the needed component (for example, platelets)
    • Returns the rest of the blood (red cells and/or plasma) back to the donor
  • This method allows collection of a higher amount of a single component from one donor.

3. Autologous Collection

  • A person donates blood for their own future use, usually before a planned surgery.
  • This may be done if:
    • They have a rare blood type
    • They need special blood products for a complex medical condition

4. Matched (Directed) Collection

  • A donor is identified as a close match for a specific patient with a rare or complex blood group.
  • The donor is asked to give blood at a specific time to support that patient.
  • These specially matched donations help patients with unusual blood types who may not be able to receive standard blood products.

Safety of Blood Transfusions

Blood transfusions in Grand Rapids are very safe. Donated blood is carefully tested and processed before it reaches patients.

Screening for Blood-Borne Diseases

All donated blood is screened for infections, including:

  • Hepatitis
  • HIV
  • Other serious blood-borne diseases

Michigan blood centers and hospitals follow strict FDA and national safety guidelines to protect both donors and patients.

Possible Reactions to Blood Transfusion

Negative reactions to blood transfusions are called “transfusion adverse events.” They are rare, and most are mild.

Common Mild Reactions

Most transfusion reactions occur within 24 hours of receiving blood and may include:

  • Mild fever
  • Itching
  • Hives or mild rash

A mild fever occurs in less than 1 in 1,000 transfusions.

Your healthcare team in Grand Rapids will monitor you during and after the transfusion and can treat these mild symptoms quickly.

Severe Reactions (Very Rare)

Severe reactions are very rare, but can be life-threatening and require immediate treatment. Symptoms may include:

  • Breathing difficulties
    • Could be due to a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
    • Bacterial infection in the blood product
    • Breakdown of red blood cells
    • Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
  • High fever and shaking
  • Low blood pressure
  • Severe aches and pains
  • Dark urine

If you experience any unusual symptoms during or after a blood transfusion—whether you are at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health—tell your nurse or doctor immediately.

Donating Blood in Grand Rapids, MI

Blood supplies in Grand Rapids depend on volunteer blood donors. Local donations help support:

  • Trauma and emergency care
  • Cancer treatments
  • Surgeries
  • Patients with chronic conditions

Who Can Donate Blood?

Eligibility rules can vary slightly by organization, but in general a blood donor should:

  • Be between 18 and 75 years old (16–17 may donate with parental consent, depending on the blood center)
  • Weigh at least 50 kg (about 110 pounds)
  • Be in good health, including:
    • Normal temperature
    • Normal blood pressure
    • No active infections or serious illness on the day of donation

Local and regional donation options include:

  • American Red Cross blood drives across Grand Rapids and West Michigan
  • Hospital-affiliated drives and local blood centers

Check with the American Red Cross or your local blood collection organization for the most current eligibility guidelines and to make an appointment to donate.

Local Resources in Grand Rapids

If you have questions about blood transfusions, donating blood, or your health in general, you can contact:

  • Your GP (primary care doctor)
  • Your surgeon or specialist
  • Local hospitals:
    • Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department
    • Offers public health information and community resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources
    • Provide education on chronic disease, anemia, and preventive care

These organizations can provide guidance tailored to Grand Rapids residents, including how local climate, seasonal illnesses, and regional health trends may affect your care.

Key Points About Blood Transfusions in Grand Rapids

  • O negative is the universal blood type and is especially important in emergency situations.
  • Blood plays many vital roles, including carrying oxygen, fighting infection, and helping blood clot.
  • Transfusions are used for severe blood loss, anemia, cancer treatment, pregnancy-related bleeding, bleeding disorders, and autoimmune conditions.
  • Most transfusion reactions are mild, such as a low-grade fever or itching, and are easily treated.
  • Severe reactions are very rare, but require immediate medical attention.
  • Grand Rapids hospitals rely on local volunteer blood donors to maintain a safe and adequate blood supply for our community.

If you are scheduled for a transfusion or considering donating blood, talk with your healthcare provider in Grand Rapids to learn what to expect and how you can help support patients across West Michigan.