Five-year review of acute transfusion reactions and transfusion errors at a tertiary center

Although blood transfusion is a life-saving procedure, it is associated with a number of preventable and unpreventable transfusion reactions. Transfusion errors account for the majority of preventable causes. The aim of our study was to determine the frequency and characteristics of acute transfusion reactions (ATR) and preventable transfusion errors in our center.

Data on transfusion reactions and transfusions administered between January 2019 and December 2023 were collected retrospectively from reported transfusion reaction forms and transfusion center records.

Among 163.114 transfusion administered, 116 (0.071%) acute transfusion reactions were reported (71.1 reaction per 100.000 transfusion). The most common type of ATR was allergic reactions and the most common blood product associated with reaction was red blood cell (RBC). The ABO incompatible RBC transfusion due to human error rate is 1.22/100.000 per transfusion. None of the reactions resulted in death.

In our study, the incidence and type of transfusion reactions are similar to the literature. However, the incidence of transfusion of ABO incompatible RBC due to human error is slightly higher than the reported rates. In addition to raising awareness about reporting, immediate action should be taken by closely monitoring transfusion errors especially during pre-transfusion safety.