Infectious complications of blood transfusions

The use of blood and blood products has revolutionized medical care over the last century. Without this capacity, many medical and surgical procedures would not be possible. The safety of these procedures is predicated, in part, on an appreciation of the complications of transfusions, including transmission of infectious disease. Assuring that patients are adequately protected from these hazards while providing the products that they need is the responsibility of both blood banks and practitioners.