Investigation and management of non ‐infectious transfusion reactions

Appropriate management of non‐infectious adverse transfusion reactions begins with recognition that a change in clinical status during or following a transfusion may represent an adverse event. Appropriate monitoring of patients during transfusion and explicit training of staff to recognize the signs and symptoms of adverse transfusion reactions is the key to diagnosis and to management. As some reactions may occur in the hours following transfusion, patient education and instruction on reporting relevant symptoms are also important. The typical symptoms that herald the onset of a transfusion‐related adverse event include fever, rash, shock and respiratory distress. Haemoglobinuria may also be a presenting feature. Early signs or symptoms may reflect more than one type of reaction. All transfusionists must be aware of the steps in acute management of a suspected adverse transfusion reaction. For those events that occur while the transfusion is ongoing, stopping the infusion and maintaining the intravenous access are the important first step. Rapid evaluation of the patient's vital signs, a bedside check of the unit and patient identification, as well as assessment of the appearance of the blood component, are early steps. Supportive care based on the patient's signs and symptoms must occur while additional laboratory and clinical investigations are initiated. In most cases of transfusion‐related adverse events, a ‘posttransfusion’ blood sample should be evaluated fo...
Source: ISBT Science Series - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Congress Review Source Type: research