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Our understanding of the hazards involved in allogeneic blood transfusion has greatly increased in the last few years. At the same time there has been an increase in the number and damaging effects of these hazards.
 | 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 |
| According to the 2000/2001 Cumulative SHOT Report, Overall Mortality/Morbidity figures for the period 1996/7 to 2000/1 in the UK were as follows:
Death definitely attributed to transfusion: 38 Death probably attributed to transfusion: 3 Death possibly attributed to transfusion: 21 The 2003 Report adds 1 more to the "possibly attributed" total
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| 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 "Safe Transfusion Practice" slides in "Tell me More". SHOT - 2003 Report, "Serious Hazards of Transfusion" JAMA article, "Anemia and Blood Transfusion in Critically Ill Patients"
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