Biomaterial Database

Fatal blood transfusion reactions. An analysis. 1981

F R Camp, and W P Monaghan

This analysis of fatal blood transfusion reactions includes statistics from the Bureau of Biologics provided through the Freedom of Information Act. The study of 126 reported transfusion fatalities occurring between 1976 and 1980 showed that the staff certifying compatibility and the personnel administering the blood have an approximately equal share of the problems. Resolution of blood bag labeling errors through automation leaves patient identification as a major obstacle to those certifying compatibility and the transfusionists. The patient identification wrist band is excellent. However, professional staff do not always utilize this information, relying on memory. In addition, professional staff do not always collate adequately the information on the blood transfusion request form, the blood bag label, and the wrist band of the patient to be transfused. Electronic collation is discussed as a means to identify discrepancies prior to transfusion. The special problem of staff dealing with a time-limited, life-threatening emergency is described and six critical areas related to the problem of fatal transfusion reactions are suggested for further analysis.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007629	Kentucky	A state bounded on the north by Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio; on the east by Virginia and west Virginia; on the south by Tennessee, and on the west by Missouri.
D007753	Laboratories	Facilities equipped to carry out investigative procedures.	Laboratory
D008722	Methods	A series of steps taken in order to conduct research.	Techniques,Methodological Studies,Methodological Study,Procedures,Studies, Methodological,Study, Methodological,Method,Procedure,Technique
D008887	Military Medicine	The practice of medicine as applied to special circumstances associated with military operations.	Medicine, Military
D012011	Red Cross	International collective of humanitarian organizations led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross Movement, to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.	American Red Cross,International Committee of the Red Cross,International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement,Magen David Adom,Red Crescent
D001788	Blood Grouping and Crossmatching	Testing erythrocytes to determine presence or absence of blood-group antigens, testing of serum to determine the presence or absence of antibodies to these antigens, and selecting biocompatible blood by crossmatching samples from the donor against samples from the recipient. Crossmatching is performed prior to transfusion.	Blood Typing,Crossmatching, Blood,Blood Grouping,Blood Crossmatching,Grouping, Blood,Typing, Blood
D001803	Blood Transfusion	The introduction of whole blood or blood component directly into the blood stream. (Dorland, 27th ed)	Blood Transfusions,Transfusion, Blood,Transfusions, Blood
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D014481	United States	A country in NORTH AMERICA between CANADA and MEXICO.
D014857	Warfare	Methods of conducting ARMED CONFLICTS.