What procedure involves the infusion of whole blood or cells from a donor into a patient?

The procedure that involves the infusion of whole blood or cells from a donor into a patient is known as blood transfusion. This medical intervention is critical in situations where patients require additional blood or blood components due to medical conditions such as severe anemia, trauma, or surgical blood loss. During a transfusion, a compatible donor's blood is carefully matched and administered to ensure safety and effectiveness, thus restoring the patient’s blood volume and enhancing their capacity to carry oxygen and support overall bodily functions.

Other options, while related to blood management, describe different processes. Blood donation refers to the act of giving blood for transfusion or storage, which is not the same as the transfusion process itself. Hemodialysis is a procedure for removing waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are unable to perform this function, thus focusing on filtration rather than infusion. Plasmapheresis involves the removal of plasma from the blood, often for therapeutic reasons, but it does not directly involve the transfusion of whole blood or cells. Each of these alternatives serves distinct medical purposes, but blood transfusion is specifically about the introduction of donor blood components into a patient.