Procedure for a Blood Transfusion Reaction

Blood transfusion reactions, known scientifically as hemolytic transfusion reactions, are serious cases that take place after a patient receives a blood transfusion. In such cases, the immune system of the reacting patient attacks the blood cells received in transfusion. This may cause readily noticeable symptoms such as chills, fever, rash and disorientation. The patient may recover quickly or face severe, life-threatening symptoms depending on the severity of the reaction. The effective and timely response of healthcare professionals also makes a great difference in patient recovery.

Stop Transfusion Immediately

• Alert the nearest healthcare professional immediately if you notice the symptoms of a blood transfusion reaction. Because blood transfusion reactions can be life threatening, it is imperative that the transfusion is stopped and the patient is assessed and treated as quickly as possible. Stopping the transfusion assures that the patient does not receive any more blood that may not be compatible with his immune system. This includes blood of an incompatible type or containing incompatible antibodies.

Assess the Patient

• A nurse or doctor must assess a patient suspected of having a blood transfusion reaction. The clinician on hand must take the reacting patient's vital signs including temperature, blood pressure and heart rate to assess and compare with the vital signs taken and recorded before the transfusion. This must be done in addition to checking for readily identifiable symptoms such as rash, chills, fever, fainting and dizziness.

  Healthcare professionals must recheck the patient's identification information and make sure the same information is on the blood product packaging.

Consult the Doctor

• While the nurse and patient may believe that a blood transfusion reaction is taking place, the doctor must diagnose a reaction and treat it accordingly. The doctor then may order a number of possible treatments including antihistamines, intravenous fluid replacement, pain relievers, corticosteroids and other medications to relieve the symptoms of a blood transfusion reaction.

Post-Transfusion Reaction Testing

• A healthcare professional must send the blood container, packaging, tubing and accessories back to hospital or treatment facility's blood bank for analyses such as typing and culturing after the blood transfusion reaction is diagnosed. The doctor may elect an additional typing for the patient to ascertain blood type and antibodies present in the reacting patient's bloodstream. This testing also may include a urinalysis in order to prevent future problems with blood product compatibility.