Blood transfusion pitfalls

Abstract

Despite significant advances in screening and understanding of transfusion-related complications, transfusion of allogeneic blood products will always involve inherent risk due to the sourcing of blood from donors, the limits of screening technology, and the potential for human error. While life-threatening transfusion reactions from hemolysis, TACO, and TRALI are rare, they can have devastating consequences for patients receiving transfusions. Blood products should always be given with caution and with the understanding that a variety of reactions are possible. Leukoreduction, irradiation, storage guidelines, and selective donor procedures for certain allogeneic products have limited risks to patients to a considerable degree. In addition, commonly known life-threatening chronic infections are now rarely transmitted from allogeneic blood due to the extensive screening process for blood donations, but the threat of new emerging pathogens is always a concern. Unfortunately, there exists few definitive treatments for the variety of transfusion reactions beyond cessation of product administration and supportive medical care. The blood bank and appropriate medical staff should be notified in all instances of suspected transfusion reactions, regardless of the seriousness of the reaction.