Adult Medical Emergency Handbook - Scottish Intensive Care Society

Table 4: Investigating Acute Transfusion Reactions
INVESTIGATING ACUTE TRANFUSION REACTIONS
1. Immediately report all acute transfusion reactions with the
exceptions of mild hypersensitvity and non-haemolytic febrile
transfusion reactions, to the Consultant Haematologist and the
Hospital Transfusion Laboratory
2. Record the following information on the patient’s notes:
• Type of transfusion reaction
• Length of time after the start of the transfusion and when the
reaction occurred
• Volume, type and pack numbers of the blood components
transfused
3. Take the following samples and send them to the Hospital
Transfusion Laboratory:
• Immediate post transfusion blood samples from a vein in the
opposite arm:
- Group & Antibody Screen
- Direct Antiglobulin Test
- Return blood unit and giving set containing residues of the
transfused donor blood
4. Take the following samples and send them to the Haematology/
Clinical Chemistry Laboratory for:
• Full blood count
• Coagulation screen
• Urea
• Creatinine
• Electrolytes
• Blood culture in an appropriate blood culture bottle
5. Complete a transfusion reaction report form.
6. Record the results of the investigations in the patient’s records
for future follow-up, if required.
adult medical emergencies handbook | NHS LOTHIAN: UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS DIVISION | 2009/11
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