Risks Associated with Transfusion

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The page below is a sample from the LabCE course Transfusion Reactions. Access the complete course and earn ASCLS P.A.C.E.-approved continuing education credits by subscribing online.

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Risks Associated with Transfusion

Transfusion of blood components has the potential for both benefit and risk to the patient. Transfusion policies and procedures must be carefully followed to reduce transfusion reactions and prevent transfusion-related death or serious injury.
Several causes of transfusion-related deaths are summarized in the table below.
Table 1: Transfusion-Related Deaths
Acute (Immediate)Delayed
Immune
Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR) Delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR)
Febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (FNHTR) Alloimmunization
Allergic reactionPost-transfusion purpura (PTP)
AnaphylaxisTransfusion-associated graft versus host disease (TA-GvHD)
Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)
Non-Immune
Bacterial contaminationIron Overload
Transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO)Air embolism
Physical or chemical RBC damage
Depletion or dilution of coagulation factors and platelets
Medical errors that could result in transfusion reactions include:
  • Patient mis-identification
  • Sample labeling error
  • Wrong blood type issued
  • Transcription error
  • Technical error
  • Storage error