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Blood Transfusion Dangers

Every year, close to 5 million people get blood transfusions in the United States, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). During a blood transfusion, blood from a donor flows into a vein through an IV line. A blood transfusion may be needed after surgery, injury or certain illnesses. Most people get through a blood transfusion without incident, but risks are involved.

  1. Minor Complications

    • It is possible for allergens in donor blood to cause an allergic reaction during a blood transfusion, according to Harvard Medical School. Most of the time these reactions are mild and do not present a serious health risk, although more severe reactions are possible. Some people may have a fever during or after a blood transfusion as the body reacts to the foreign white blood cells.

    Disease Transmission

    • Blood is tested for diseases before it is given to a patient, and it is very rare to acquire a disease from a blood transfusion. According to the NHLBI, the risk of being given HIV-tainted blood is about 1 in 2 million. Hepatitis B and C, syphilis, Lyme disease, mad cow disease and other diseases that can be transmitted through blood could be acquired through a transfusion, but the risk is low.

    Incompatibility

    • Although screening is done to make sure that a person receives the proper blood type, it is possible to receive blood that is incompatible with your own. This may cause a hemolytic reaction, which occurs when your body attacks the new blood. Most deaths from blood transfusions are the result of hemolytic reactions. However, not everyone who receives blood that is incompatible with their own dies. It is possible to have a mild reaction.

    Bacterial Infection

    • It is possible for blood to become infected with bacteria during collection and handling. According to Harvard Medical School, the risk of getting bacteria-tainted red blood cells is about one in a million, but the risk increases to about one in 10,000 with a platelet transfusion. Receiving blood contaminated with bacteria can be fatal.

    Lung Injury

    • People occasionally suffer lung injury from a blood transfusion, although the cause is not clear. Lung complications are rare, but they can sometimes be fatal in very sick people. If lung problems are going to occur, they usually surface within 6 hours of the procedure, according to the NHLBI.

    Graft vs. Host Disease

    • People with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to Graft vs. Host Disease, which is commonly fatal. Fever, rash and diarrhea may appear within a month after the transfusion as the white blood cells in the new blood attack the body. Specially treated blood can be given to high-risk individuals to prevent this complication.

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