Blood transfusions take healthy blood (or blood components) from a donor and give them to a patient who needs them. Blood transfusions are used to a treat a number of conditions, including emergency situations in which the patient has lost a large amount of his or her own blood. Blood transfusions may also be used for people with sickle-cell diseases, for infants with Rh incompatibility, or for the treatment of other blood-related illnesses. Doctors are responsible for ensuring that blood transfusions are performed correctly and safely. Before a patient can receive donated blood, the blood type must be carefully assessed to make sure it is a match. In addition, donated blood must be carefully screened for disease. Unfortunately, there have been cases in which a person contracts AIDs or another illness from transfused blood. If you or a loved one has been harmed as the result of a blood transfusion, we can help.