Transfusion medicine for the pediatrician

In the next decade, many of the methodologies and research reviewed in this article will become clinical practice, making the transfusion of blood products safer and more universally available than they are today. NAT will be standard and will surely be performed on each unit of product, PCR testing for pathogens will evolve, and the pathophysiology and immunology of transfusion-related events such as TRALI and immunomodulation will be elucidated. New methods of preservation and early detection of contamination will extend the life of blood products. Red blood cell antigens may be attenuated, making safe products available to more patients. Clinical vigilance at the bedside and in the blood bank will remain key areas for transfusion safety. As I have told many a resident and patient, blood is not saline; there are and will remain risks inherent in this commonly used medical therapy.