Blood Transfusion Tonight

Sometime later tonight Will will undergo a blood transfusion. His need for additional blood was discovered through a hematocrit exam earlier today. This exam, in general terms, measures red blood cell and hemoglobin counts. Will is running a deficit in both areas. Adding a small amount of blood (a little more than a tablespoon for a baby his size) will increase the amount of oxygen that is delivered throughout the body.

Over the past few days, Will has required increased oxygen levels. We hope the transfusion will lessen his need for the supplement. Should this deficit be the cause of his problem, it is likely the results will be felt by tomorrow. If a change is not realized by tomorrow, then the problem is likely due to something else, such as infection or internal bleeding.

As for the procedure itself. The blood will be administered by two nurses over a 1 to 2 hour period. Fortunately, a co-worker of Nichole's was in town this past week for a business meeting. During that visit Nichole learned that her friend's blood was 0 negative and cmv negative - the magic recipe for Will. The friend gave blood at the Indiana blood bank between the conclusion of her meeting and her flight later that afternoon. She did so while braving treacherous ice conditions. We can't thank her enough.

More later.