3.2 Allogeneic blood transfusion is not without significant risks
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Our understanding of the hazards involved in allogeneic blood transfusion has greatly increased in the last few years as a result of better reporting of adverse events.

Operational hazards (wrong blood to wrong patient)
A small residual risk of transfusion-transmissible viral infection
Relatively more significant risk of bacterial contamination
The potential risk of transmitting vCJD
The risk of the unknown
Immunological complications of allogeneic blood transfusions


 

It's True!

According to the 2004 SHOT Report, there were 4 transfusion related deaths:
reports in which there was certain and conclusive evidence that death was related to transfusion or where the evidence was clearly in favour. One patient died due to transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI).

LEARNING GUIDE LEARNING GUIDE

To pass the test in module 3.2, entitled "Allogeneic blood transfusion is not without significant risks", make sure you can list the main hazards, risks and complications of using allogeneic blood transfusions

For more detailed information on each one, go to:

Net Links

SHOT - 2004 Report, "Serious Hazards of Transfusion"

JAMA article, "Anaemia and Blood Transfusion in Critically Ill Patients"


Net Links
Risks of allogeneic blood transfusion
NBS Guidelines, UK
NATA
Handbook of Transfusion Medicine
Better Blood Transfusion Continuing Education Programme


  Test/Survey
 

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