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Published on: March 14, 2017

Mechanisms of severe transfusion reactions

P M Kopko1, P V Holland

  • 1Sacramento Blood Centers, CA 95816-7089, United States.

Transfusion Clinique Et Biologique : Journal De La Societe Francaise De Transfusion Sanguine
|August 14, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial contamination in blood products, especially platelets, causes serious transfusion reactions and death. Early diagnosis and prevention through donor screening and careful handling are crucial to patient safety.

Area of Science:

  • Transfusion Medicine
  • Infectious Disease

Background:

  • Bacterial contamination of blood products is a significant cause of transfusion-related morbidity and mortality.
  • Septic transfusion reactions can mimic other serious transfusion complications, complicating diagnosis.
  • High fever and gastrointestinal symptoms in recipients may indicate sepsis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the risks associated with bacterial contamination in transfused blood products.
  • To discuss diagnostic approaches for septic transfusion reactions.
  • To outline current and potential prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis relies on culturing the causative organism from both the patient and the blood component.
  • Organism types vary based on blood product storage (e.g., Gram-negative in RBCs, Gram-positive in platelets).

Main Results:

  • Bacterial contamination is a leading cause of transfusion-related mortality.
  • Different organisms are prevalent in different blood components due to storage conditions.
  • Effective prevention strategies are essential.

Conclusions:

  • Preventing septic transfusion reactions requires rigorous donor history and aseptic technique during phlebotomy.
  • Visual inspection of blood components before transfusion is a critical safety measure.
  • Ongoing research focuses on improved detection and pathogen inactivation methods.

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