Retrospective Audit of Transfusion Reactions in a Tertiary-Care Hospital in South India

Blood transfusion is a double-edged sword, as it is a life-saving intervention but is also associated with various adverse reactions. However, blood transfusion safety can be improved by identifying these adverse reactions and taking appropriate interventions. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to determine the frequency and type of transfusion reactions occurring among in-patients at our hospital, as reported to our institute's blood center.

This cross-sectional study was carried out at the blood center of a tertiary-care hospital over three years and nine months from 2021 to 2024. During the study period, all transfusion reactions related to various blood and blood products reported to our blood center were recorded and analyzed according to departmental standard operating procedures.

Out of 23,028 units of blood and blood products transfused during the study period, 105 (0.5%) cases of transfusion reaction were documented. The most common transfusion reaction reported was febrile non-hemolytic transfusion reaction (n=62; 59%), followed by allergic transfusion reaction (n=33; 31%), and 10 (10%) reported reactions were due to various other reasons.

The relatively low incidence of transfusion reactions in this study (0.5%) may be due to our study's underreporting of transfusion reactions. This difference highlights the need to conduct continuous medical, educational programs for all healthcare professionals involved in the transfusion chain. Such programs should highlight the importance of documentation and reporting of adverse transfusion reactions so that hemovigilance systems can be established for improved patient care.