Blood-Transfusion Reaction

Less serious:

• Chills and fever.
• Backache or other aches and pains.
• Hives and itching.

• Blood-cell destruction (hemolysis) causing shortness of breath, severe headache, chest or back pain and blood in the urine.

Transfusions of a different blood type than that of the patient. This may occur from errors in matching or from the use of incompletely matched blood in an emergency.

• Blood transfusions in emergency situations, when careful typing and matching of blood must be bypassed.
• Blood transfusions from donors who carry infections.
• Multiple blood transfusions.
• Rh negative mother.

• Blood-bank and hospital personnel have safety procedures to prevent reactions except in situations that are uncontrollable (see Causes).
• Use of diphenhydramine (an antihistamine) and acetaminophen prior to transfusion may prevent minor reactions.
• Let the doctor or medical personnel know of any prior history of a response to transfusions.
• If surgery is planned at least 1 month in advance, your own blood may be drawn and stored for use during surgery, if necessary. Transfusion with your own blood is least likely to produce a reaction.

Most reactions clear gradually after the transfusion is halted. A few reactions are fatal.

• Acute kidney failure.
• Anaphylaxis.
• Congestive heart failure from too rapid transfusion.

• Hospitalization is required. Patients receiving transfusions are usually in a hospital or outpatient surgical facility, and reactions can be treated when they occur.
• Stay awake and alert during a blood transfusion, if possible, so you can notify medical personnel immediately if symptoms occur.
• Transfusion will be stopped immediately at first sign of reaction.
• All vital signs will be monitored and preventive measures implemented to minimize complications.
• Supplemental oxygen if required.