Blood Transfusions: What Is It, Who Needs One, Benefits, and Risks

Allergic Reactions

The most common adverse reactions from a blood transfusion are allergic and febrile reactions, says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, these reactions make up over half of the reported reactions to blood transfusions, says the source.

Allergic reactions can vary from mild to severe. Some common symptoms to look out for include chest or back pain, trouble breathing, nausea, fever, chills, low blood pressure, and a rapid pulse. If a reaction occurs the nurse or doctor will stop the transfusions right away, determine how severe the reaction is and what treatments are needed.

Hemolytic Reactions

Another possible risk of blood transfusions is a hemolytic reaction. This may occur if the blood types are not compatible which causes “the immune system to attack the new blood cells,” explains Medical News Today.

A hemolytic reaction is serious, however, it is very rare. Common symptoms of a hemolytic reaction include lower back pain, chest pain, fever, nausea, and dark urine, says the source. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any of these symptoms.

Are Infections Possible?

Although extremely rare, donated blood may cause an infection caused by microbio, viruses, or parasites in the blood. Possible infections include hepatitis B, C, or HIV. But it’s important to note that “all blood for transfusion is tested for evidence of certain infectious disease pathogens,” explains the CDC.

Due to these critical tests, the chance of an individual contracting hepatitis B from a blood transfusion is 1 in 300,000 and the chance of contracting hepatitis C is 1 in 1.5 million. The American Red Cross also says “there is a 1 in 2 million chance that donated blood will not only carry HIV but also infect a transfusion recipient.”