Blood transfusion: Difference between revisions

In developed countries, donations are usually anonymous to the recipient, but products in a [[blood bank]] are always individually traceable through the whole cycle of donation, testing, separation into components, storage, and administration to the recipient. This enables management and investigation of any suspected transfusion related disease transmission or [[transfusion reaction]]. In developing countries the donor is sometimes specifically recruited by or for the recipient, typically a family member, and the donation occurs immediately before the transfusion.

 

{{Main|Transfusion reaction}}

Transfusions of blood products is associated with several complications, which can be broadly categorized as immunologic or non-immunologic. Immunologic complications include acute hemolytic reactions, delayed hemolytic reactions, febrile nonhemolytic reactions, allergic reactions, and transfusion purpura. Nonimmunologic complications include infections, volume overload, lung injury, hypothermia, and coagulopathy.

 

'''Acute hemolytic reactions''' occurs with transfusion of red blood cells, and occurs in about 0.016 percent of transfusions, with about 0.003 percent being fatal. This is due destruction of donor erythrocytes by preformed recipient antibodies. Most often this occurs due to clerical errors or improper typing and crossmatching. Symptoms include fever, chills, chest pain, back pain, hemorrhage, tachycardia, shortness of breath, and hypotension. When suspected, transfusion should be stopped immediately, and blood sent for tests to evaluate for presence of hemolysis. Kidney injury may occur due to the effects of the hemolytic reaction (pigment nephropathy).