How to Monitor an Incompatible Blood Transfusion

The body's immune system saves us from infections and other ailments on a daily basis and without it we would surely succumb to even the mildest of illnesses. But it is this same immune system that can cause a fatal reaction if incompatible blood is given to a person. The immune system will attack the blood cells, setting off a cascade of problems that could kill the patient.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine their immune system. The severity of the reaction to an incompatible blood transfusion is dependent on the strength of the patient's immune system. In an immuno-compromised patient the reaction could be mild, but in a healthy immune system the result could be quick and devastating. Blood tests to determine red and white blood cell counts and determine how strong their immuno-response will likely be. This should be done before the transfusion.

• 2

  Listen to you patient. If the patient is awake during the transfusion listen to his complaints of burning and pain, as it could mean a potentially serious reaction. Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction is when the body's immune system destroys the red blood cells almost immediately. According to the National Institute of Health, the reaction could take 24 hours or begin during the transfusion itself. Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction can be fatal if not treated quickly.

• 3

  Find compatible blood. A transfusion of incompatible blood should only be done in an emergency situation when no compatible blood is available and the patient's life is threatened. Once the patient has had the transfusion, and is stable, appropriate compatible blood should be found and a new transfusion set up if there is the slightest reaction.

• 4

  Check on your patient regularly. It may take days or weeks for the body to significantly attack the incompatible parts of the blood transfusion. The body can attack red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, each with different severities. The patient may experience fever, chills, increased risk of bleeding. Patients should be checked hourly while in the hospital with regular blood testing to determine how their body is handling the transfusion.