Clinical presentation of nonhaemolytic transfusion reactions

Due to the sophistication of red cell compatibility testing, the majority of transfusion reactions are non-haemolytic in origin. This paper reviews the clinical presentation of these reactions, emphasising that blood transfusion reaction must always be considered in the differential diagnosis when a patient develops unexpected complications during his hospital stay. Fever, allergic reactions, respiratory distress, hypotension and jaundice may all be manifestations of a transfusion reaction.