While âBRBâ is most widely used in the context of real-time chat, the term has been also discussed on Usenet, including a post on the alt.usage.english newsgroup on January 13th, 1994.
Blood transfusions are done to replace blood lost during surgery or due to a serious injury. A transfusion also may be done if your body can't make blood properly because of an illness. During a blood transfusion, a small needle is used to insert an IV line into one of your blood vessels. Through this line, you receive healthy blood. The procedure usually takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on how much blood you need. Blood transfusions are very common. Each year, almost 5 million Americans need a blood transfusion.
The recipient should be observed for evidence of a transfusion reaction during this time period. If no adverse effects occur, the rate can be increased to 4 mL/minute for nonemergent transfusions. An infusion rate of 17mL/min allows an entire unit of blood to be transfused in 30 minutes. The usual recommended time period ranges between 1.5 and 2 hours per unit. The maximum time period allowed for infusion of a single unit of blood is 4 hours. In emergency situations, the infusion rate is not as well established.